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

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.

However, the cost of living crisis has driven more people to use the food bank as well as reducing the amount that local people can donate to the charity.

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: "Over the last year we have noticed an understandable drop in the donations we receive as the cost of living crisis is impacting on us all.

"Whilst we are still able to pack and deliver 7-day emergency food and toiletries packs to households across Rutland, we are noticing gaps on a shelves are occurring more quickly to the extent that for the first time in a very long-time we are asking for donations of baked beans.

"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."

Can you help the local food bank? Image credit: Rutland Foodbank.

Goods required include:

• baked beans
• spaghetti
• macaroni cheese
• tinned meats, pies and veg
• noodles
• crackers
• crispbreads
• loo roll
• washing pods
• shampoo
• deodorant
• shaving foam
• and more...

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.

Call 07582 783363 to find out more or, to donate, head to 36 Melton Road

Oakham

Rutland

LE15 6AY