ALTON Food Bank gave three-day emergency food supplies to 880 people in crisis in the 2015/16 financial year, of which 400 went to children. In 2014/15, the figure was 860.

The town is part of the Trussell Trust’s 424-strong UK foodbanks network, which provided more than one million food parcels in the 12 months to April 2016, indicating that demand for its help remains high.

Alton foodbank manager John Jacobs said: “It is concerning that even in reasonably affluent Alton we are seeing a similar rise in foodbank use to that nationwide. There are still too many people struggling to make ends meet.

“Even more concerning is that in Alton the number of vouchers issued due to low income is greater than those issued for benefit delays and benefit changes combined. In-work poverty is the great unseen hardship of our time.”

Over the last year, residents have donated almost eight tonnes of food to Alton’s foodbank, and more than 40 people have volunteered to work for it.

Mr Jacobs added: “Schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling us to give food and support to people in crisis.”

The foodbank also provides essentials such as primary school uniforms, washing powder, nappies and hygiene products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to services such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Christians Against Poverty.