COLCHESTER’S foodbank has issued an urgent plea for support as demand for its vital service remains high.

Speaking on social media yesterday, a spokesperson for the foodbank said it was “running critically low or have run out of” several items.

They said: “If anyone could help with one or two items, we would be very grateful.

“All supermarkets have donation points, as does the Mercury Theatre, or donations can be dropped to us at the Stanway foodbank.”

Gazette: Please help - Colchester Foodbank boss Mike BeckettPlease help - Colchester Foodbank boss Mike Beckett

The foodbank, in Tollgate West, Stanway, is open between 10am and 2pm Monday to Saturday.

How can you help?

Colchester Foodbank has run out of size five, six, and seven nappies, as well as male and female deodorants.

Supplies of shampoo and conditioner, soap, toilet rolls, and washing up liquid are also running critically low.

The foodbank is also looking for the following foods:

  • Tinned fruit
  • Soups
  • Tinned fish
  • Pasta sauce
  • Tea bags
  • Coffee
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Condiments, like ketchup and barbeque sauce
  • Peanut butter and chocolate spread

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Carrier bags are also needed.

An online fundraiser was launched overnight which has already raised nearly £200 for the organisation.

'Our army of volunteers are working tirelessly'

On Sunday, kind-hearted runners donated 134.4 kilograms of food at the Colchester 10k.

Demand for the service has soared as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

In the year to March 2023, a total of 21,285 parcels were distributed, 12,122 for adults and 9,163 for children, across the city.

This was up from 14,923 in 2021-22, an increase of 42.6 per cent.

The total was the second highest in the east of England, only behind Bedford on 21,835.

Speaking previously, the foodbank's boss Mike Beckett said: “The foodbank has experienced unprecedented demand year on year.

“We have been busier than ever, our army of 300 volunteers are working tirelessly.

“Being so high up on the list for the east of England is definitely a title we’d be willing to shake and not one we aspired for.

“We are appreciative of people who donate money or food at the checkout if they can afford to do so.

“It’s the heroes of Colchester who help us do what we do to feed so many people and stopping children from suffering is our main priority."