The number of people using food banks in Poole rose by 77 per cent from January to October this year.

As a result of the increase, the team at the Dolphin Centre in Poole has volunteered 27 hours at Faithworks’ food bank storage unit in Kingland Crescent since September. The team is to continue volunteering throughout 2023 to support the Faithworks charity in its bid to finding solutions around the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and homelessness.

Volunteering involves sorting through donations and stacking shelves in order for produce to be easily transported to St Clement’s Church Hall and other satellites for distribution amongst the community.

John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Centre, said: “Our team is dedicated to making a difference in the local community, and just one way we can give back is by volunteering both time and food to these vital food bank services.

“With the cost-of-living crisis hitting everyone hard, we’re urging retailers and the public to come together to support those struggling in any way they can, and if time is all you have, time is all Faithworks needs.”

Currently Poole Food Bank+ is requesting items such as UHT milk, shampoo and deodorant, fruit squash and tinned potatoes. In the run up to Christmas, festive items are also welcomed including tins of biscuits, tinned ham, salmon and cranberry sauce.

Gill Payne, manager at ‘Poole Food Bank+ said: “We love engaging with businesses who are able to give a little of their time to support us. It was fabulous having the Dolphin Centre team at our frontline site and helping at our food store.

“We love sharing what we do with others and joining together so that Poole as a whole looks after its own community. We can all learn so much about each other and we believe that this is why Poole Food Bank is currently in a good position to be able to support people in the current times.”

Donation points in the local area can be found inside the Dolphin Centre and at most main local supermarkets. To volunteer at Poole Food Bank please call 01202 672694 to arrange a meet-up and taster session.