KIDDERMINSTER’S foodbank has fed more than 500 people unable to put food on the table in just four months.

The economic crisis prompted Church Together in Kidderminster to open the Kidderminster Foodbank in partnership with poverty charity the Tussell Trust in May.

Since then, the service, which opens at Baxter Church on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am until 3.30pm, has fed 540 people - 200 children and 340 adults.

Users must be given vouchers by churches, social services and other organisations who recognise that person’s need and exchange them for food.

The figures were announced at a thanksgiving service organised by the foodbank and led by Rev Mary Austin at Baxter Church on Wednesday last week.

Foodbank co-ordinator Maureen Lewis said the service was well attended and Rev Austin spoke to foodbank volunteers, two voucher holders and a member of Harvington Church had donated 111kg of food.

Mrs Lewis said: “We also read an email from a Home Start Wyre Forest volunteer who said what a difference it had made to one family she looks after who were near to despair.

“After receiving a voucher it was not just the food that made the difference but the mother now had hope and knew people cared about her and her family.”

She said the foodbank had collected 5,900 tons from donors and given out 4,000 tons.

“We need to keep up our collection figures,” added Mrs Lewis. “At the moment we just about balance each week. Last week “Data shows the main reason for the crisis is lowering of income due to benefit delay, changes, sickness and unemployment all leading to a need to borrow money at often high interest, leading to debt,” added Mrs Lewis.

In July, The Shuttle’s Blackwell Street office became the first independent donation point and has since collected a steady stream of about three or four boxes per week of non-perishable items brought in by generous readers.

The Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall also collects for the service and it is hoped Wyre Forest District Council ’s new headquarters will also act as a donation point when it opens in October.