HASLEMERE Food Bank has issued an appeal to those in need to take the help it offers, after receiving further supplies from Haslemere Tesco.

Food bank management team member Alison Rice said: “We are constantly looking for ways to reach out to anyone who is struggling. They don’t have to be in crisis –we are here for anyone who is having a rough time.

“Our clients are mainly referred by Citizens Advice Bureau and Guildford Action for Families, but school head teachers, church leaders and GP surgeries also commonly refer people to us.

“People come to us to say they know people who are in need but they won’t come to the food bank and they want to help on their behalf.

“That’s not a problem. Anyone can get a referral form on behalf of someone in need and they can pick up food for them from us.

“Some people are embarrassed to use the food bank.

“We know people are given referral forms but don’t have the courage to come along. We also don’t seem to be reaching a lot of elderly people living on their own, who may be struggling to make ends meet. We are grateful to Tesco shoppers for donating food to its collection box.

“We used to have vouchers from Haslemere Co-op our clients could use to get fresh food and vegetables but the store has now closed. Tesco is looking into giving us credit cards vouchers that can be exchanged for fresh food and vegetables.”