MEMBERS of a weight loss group have been busy looking in their cupboards for items to donate to others to enjoy over this festive period after last week’s appeal by the Foodbank.

Dawn Cooper from WW said: “WW (formerly Weight Watchers) has three pillars in their philosophy, namely food, activity and mindset and this act of donating so ticks the wellbeing box”

“We estimate the value of our donations exceeds £200 and know it goes to such a good cause locally."

Last year 2017/18 – Worcester Foodbank provided 6,210 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, which was an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.

In the first six months of 2018/19 (April to September) – foodbank provided 2,795 emergency food supplies. The main causes for referral were low income, followed by benefit delays, benefit changes and debt.

About a third of the food the foodbank provided went to children.

WW operates all over Worcester with Workshops run by Dawn Cooper, Hannah Murrin-Earp and Julie Baker.

The group have been collecting for around six weeks but have ramped up collections since they saw an appeal that the food bank put out asking the public to help out families over Christmas.

Eleri Retallick, WW Coach said: "It is heart breaking that some people haven't got food at Christmas time."

Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank Manager, said: “We’re enormously grateful to WW members for this fantastic donation which is typical of the generosity we’ve seen from many individuals and organisations.”

“Without this kind of support we simply could not feed the growing number of people that are struggling to survive on a low income.”

Worcester Foodbank volunteer Goff O’Dowd said: “We are really grateful to the generosity of WW members in the Worcester area and will ensure it will be distributed in time for Christmas.”

Worcester Foodbank opened in June 2012 to provide people in crisis with emergency 3 day food parcels. Due to increasing demand, they moved to their current premises at 7 Lowesmoor Wharf in June 2016. It is a project founded by local churches and community groups working to end hunger in the area.