A struggling food bank whose client base has doubled in a year is appealing for urgent help as its stocks dwindle to new lows.

Andrew Tranter, trustee and manager of the food bank in Imperial Way, Watford says problems with Universal Credit means demand for the service, which gives out food parcels to the needy. He says demand in Watford had doubled since 2017.

Now the food bank is asking for the public’s help to donate supplies, which also includes everyday items such as toiletries and washing up liquid.

He said: “Currently, we distribute between five and six tonnes of food a month. This has doubled since last year.

“The reason is Universal Credit. It caused problems for people who faced weeks without pay and we are still suffering. It had a marked impact on our food stores.

“We see lots of people, but there is an increase in people who are working but not earning enough. Single people especially, struggling because rent is so high in the area, and utility and food costs.”

Andrew, 74, said that in addition to non-perishables, the food bank needs more everyday items such as toilet rolls, shampoo, toothpaste, shower gel, shaving foam, washing up liquid and soap.

Mr Tranter said he is also seeking funding to ensure people have enough money for heating this winter.

“We are looking at ways of helping people with a way of topping up heating cards.

“At the moment, we would have to go with them and pay for it ourselves.

“We are hoping to get some funding to ringfence that project.”

Andrew has worked at Watford Food Bank since it opened six years ago. Before that he worked for New Hope, a charity for the homeless.

He added: “The food bank is a needs-driven project. If we didn’t need to be doing it, it wouldn’t be necessary, but it is absolutely necessary.”

Watford Food bank has branches at St Michaels and All Angels Church, South Oxhey Baptist Church, Christchurch, St Albans Road and Wellspring Church Centre.

Businesses are now working together to ensure the food bank gets a steady stream of provisions.

Called ‘Food Bank Friday’, the scheme would see staff bring in an item to donate. There would also be collection points set up across the area, making it easier to hand in donations.

The drive to help was orchestrated by Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Chris Luff.

Mr Luff will work with partners from VWV Solicitors, Watford and Three Rivers Trust, St John’s School, The Princes Trust, Sarratt Office Supplies, Watford Football Club and Clarendon Connect, a networking group made up of businesses in Clarendon Road, to raise awareness of the need for a steady and consistent supply.

The group propose to launch the first Food Bank Friday under ‘Clarendon Road Collects’, on November 16.

Mr Luff, founder of the Chamber of Conscience, said: “Watford has a truly amazing network of businesses who are genuinely focused on contributing to the local community and doing the right thing.

“It is a proven factor that a connected community is healthier, wealthier and happier, there are over 4000 business in Watford and the more that get involved the better it will get.”

For more information of how your organisation can be involved contact Chris/Saffron on 01923 442442 or email chris.luff@watford-chamber.co.uk

To learn more about Watford Food Bank, visit https://watford.foodbank.org.uk/