Worcester foodbank opens its doors

A foodbank is due to open in Worcester later to help local families in need.

Volunteers at All Saints Church said the city's first foodbank would provide short-term relief by offering emergency food parcels.

Clients are expected to be referred by social services, Sure Start and similar organisations.

The volunteers, trained by foodbank charity the Trussell Trust, said they had built up almost two tonnes of non-perishable food, such as cans and rice.

They predicted that at least another tonne of food was needed as a "rolling stock" to serve a "growing need".

The group said they hoped to provide local people "in crisis" with a minimum of three-days worth of food, before longer-term care could be put in place by social services.

They added that the foodbank would work closely with a debt relief service also run by the church.

The foodbank, at Carden Court, is due to be opened by the Mayor of Worcester and Bishop of Worcester at 10:00 BST.