New research shows food banks are forecast to give out six emergency food parcels a minute this winter.

Today the Trussell Trust has released a report Lockdown, Lifelines and the Long Haul Ahead revealing how coronavirus has affected food bank use, with a huge rise in people needing to use a food bank in its network for the first time. The Trussell Trust's records also show that families with children are being hit the hardest during the crisis.

In 2019 27% per cent of children in Chesterfield were considered to be living in poverty but given the economic impact of the lock down this figure is likely to rise. Across Chesterfield is a network of initiatives to combat food poverty and this includes a new food bank which has opened in New Whittington.

The foodbank is open on Thursdays at St Barnabas Church from 12 - 2pm. It provides three days' emergency food and support to local people who are in crisis. It's part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Liberal Democrat Borough Councillor Kelly Thornton says that "We welcome the opening of this food bank in New Whittington, but I think it's shameful that such food poverty exists in 2020".

Over 90% of the items given out at the Food Banks are donated by the public. Kelly explains that if you want to donate you can see what items the food bank is short of by checking their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChesterfieldFoodbank/

If you are in financial crisis and need help you can get in touch with the food bank at https://chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/contact-us-to-get-help/.