THE Black Country Foodbank is appealing for donations of food and funds during harvest time to help cope with increased demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Based in Brierley Hill, the charity helps vulnerable individuals and families in crisis by delivering three days’ worth of emergency food supplies while a longer-term solution is developed.

The organisation has had to adapt to cope with the increased numbers of people using the facility during lockdown and donations are now sought for the harvest season which runs from September through to the end of October.

Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS) worked closely with the Black Country Foodbank during lockdown to support residents struggling financially.

A team of 200 redeployed staff co-ordinated large-scale food distribution efforts – taking charge of stock, co-ordinating deliveries, packing up parcels and delivering them to vulnerable residents.

And last year Black Country Foodbank gave out 260,520 meals, 96,380 of which were for children.

Jen Coleman, CEO of the Black Country Foodbank, said: "Harvest is one of the most important times of the year for Black Country Foodbank as we restock our shelves after the demands of the summer holidays. This year, more than ever, we are hoping for support from the schools as we navigate a very different and difficult landscape.

"The past few months have been incredibly challenging for families but the next few months could get even worse with increased unemployment and the financial pressures that Christmas and the winter months bring."

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley's cabinet member health and adult social care, added: "Supporting people across Dudley has always been at the heart of what we do, and our communities have never needed us more. In these incredibly difficult times, it’s now even more important for us to work together for the benefit of the community."

To find out how to donate food or funds visit blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk/support/donate/.