The Salisbury Foodbank is delivering up to 200 food boxes to families in need over the school summer holidays.

As part of The Trussell Trust, a nationwide network of foodbanks, the foodbank recognises that when children are home during the holidays some families struggle to cope without the support of school lunches.

Local schools were asked to nominate families in particular need and have arranged special summer food boxes to be delivered to those who would welcome some help.

The Salisbury Foodbank will deliver these boxes during the last week of July and early August.

Each nominated family will receive two boxes, and the initiative will support up to 239 children and 139 adults.

In total, the boxes contain over four metric tonnes of food supplies.

Salisbury Foodbank's manager says there is a "black hole" where some working families do not qualify for benefit support.

Maria Stevenson said: “This is another great example of communities looking out for one another. In a time when schools are overwhelmed with restrictions, they still had time to identify families who may need extra support this summer.

"We offer our support beyond free school meals and pupil premium families, unlike many of the local government schemes.

"There is a black hole in which many working families fall where no benefit support is offered.

"Once again, this project could not be delivered without the support of our donors and ongoing support of local business A World of Furniture, who deliver our holiday hamper projects three times a year. We are blessed to have such wonderful supporters.”

Chairman of the Foodbank's Trustees, John Pitt-Brooke, added: "At the Foodbank, we like to be constantly aware of particular areas of changing need, and this initiative is a way of responding to particular issues which arise during the summer holiday.

"As circumstances change once again with Covid restrictions being wound down and possible reductions in benefits, we will be working to identify and meet need wherever it arises in Salisbury.

"We can only do this because of the continuing generosity of the people of Salisbury, and we are so grateful."

As well as summer food boxes, the Salisbury Foodbank has also delivered 100 boxes at Easter and up to 300 at Christmas over the last year, boxes that included food basics with some elements of festive cheer.

For more information, visit salisbury.foodbank.org.uk

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