Rutland Foodbank has released an appeal for a selection of items most needed by the service and its users.

Rutland Foodbank is a local charity supporting residents who are encountering food poverty. The demand for their services has seen a sharp increase following the cost-of-living crisis.

In 2023, the team fed record numbers, including nearly 1,000 local children.

Despite having already handed out ingredients for 44,583 meals, the Rutland Foodbank team are inundated with calls for help from local groups, individuals and households.

As such, they have shared a 'shopping list' of the goods most requested in the hopes that the Rutland community can, once again, come together to support one another.

A spokesperson for Rutland Foodbank said: "We know that anyone can find themselves at crisis point for a number of different reasons.

"In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local partners. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency may also be able to provide long term support, if needed, to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. 

"Our foodbank works with a number of different agencies, such as Citizens Advice Rutland 01572 723494, Education and Rutland County Council frontline staff and a number of churches. To find out more about the agencies that hold our vouchers and how you can get help, please contact us."

Goods required include:

• Pasta sauces
• Sponge puddings
• Toothpaste
• Hair conditioner
• Men’s deodorant

Call 07582 783363 to find out how and where to donate.

Those wishing to donate money can do so here.

Ali Wainwright continued: "We help many and varied households across the county and will continue to do so until we reach the stage where no-one is facing the heat or eat challenge and where households have sufficient income to afford the basics. Sadly, it seems that situation to still too far away for so many in our community. So for now our volunteers, supporters and donors are ready to help fellow Rutland residents who are struggling."

Find out more on the Rutland Foodbank website, where you can donate or access support from the local team.