The number of people needing help from food banks is on the increase and one church is on a mission to fill the gaps in people’s cupboards.

Parishioners at St Mary’s Church, High Road, South Woodford are ramping up the efforts of their monthly collections for Redbridge Foodbank.

Leading the campaign is Bridget Webb, 67, who says the economic climate is meaning more and more people are relying on the foodbank’s service.

Mrs Webb said: “There’s more deprivation in Redbridge and people are hungry which is a very shocking thing to me and to many other people. Churches are doing a good job from what I can gather.”

She said the church collects food from the congregation each month which is part of the Christian belief to help those in need.

“It’s part of outreach and caring for the poor and needy,” Mrs Webb said. “We give money but I feel that everyone can contribute to this, even if it’s just small food items.”

Non perishable goods such as dried milk, sugar and pasta are all accepted but tinned meat and fish are particularly wanted.

The church started helping the food bank earlier this year and although it was a slow start, the collections are now well established.

Mrs Webb said: “The children have made a banner with pictures of tins on it,” she said. “It was a bit of a struggle and slow to get established but I’m happy.”

The food items are collected at the church before being dropped of at the food bank in the King’s Centre, Granville Road, Ilford.

“To use the food bank people have to have a voucher from their doctor or a social worker or charity. Some churches in more deprived areas are struggling to keep up,” added Mrs Webb.

She hopes to expand the awareness of the donations within the church over the coming six months with a special meal, children’s workshop and talk by a representative from the food bank.