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Food bank use continues to rise in Burton

Written by BY Burton Mail 

RECORD numbers of food parcels have been handed out to needy families in Burton in the past few months.

The Salvation Army reported a high of 211 parcels which were given out in July and August, making a total of 732 in the year to date.

The amount is up from 556 last year, which saw higher demand than ever before.

Vic Wileman, from The Salvation Army, said: "July and August saw records being broken with 104 parcels in July and 107 in August. What has been more revealing is for the first time the number of children provided for has exceeded the adult numbers, with 284 adults and 288 children.

"It's not surprising therefore that at one stage our cupboards became empty, which led to us having to find from our precious resources in excess of £500 a month to ensure no one went without, and particularly ensuring children were not left hungry."

Burton's YMCA had a slightly happier tale, with numbers down slightly on last year. However, the figure still sits at 748 handed over in the year so far, helping 948 people.

Chief executive Paul Laffey said: "We have seen a slight drop over the summer, which is good news, but there are still a great number of people needing help."

extract from the Burton Mail 29th September 2014