A THIRD foodbank has now opened in the Braintree district.
After the success of the previous two foodbanks in the district, local people facing a food crisis will now be able to collect emergency food supplies from a centre at the Braintree Baptist Church in Blyth's Meadow, Braintree.
The Church is open every Wednesday from 11.00am until 2.00pm, where volunteers will hand out food in exchange for vouchers issued by partner agencies such as social services and health visitors. They will also be on hand to offer advice on resolving longer-term problems such as housing or benefits.
The new distribution centre joins those at Christ Church, Braintree on Fridays, and at St Andrew's, Halstead on Mondays.
Foodbank volunteer Mary Double said: "We are pleased that we can offer this additional facility for those in need to collect food from the foodbank.
"With predicted rises in fuel bills and other living costs, and changes in benefits payments, we expect there to be increased demands on the foodbank during the coming winter months."
Since it opened in April this year, more than 400 people have been helped by the scheme.
Food is donated by local churches, individuals, businesses and other organisations and at supermarket collections.
The next foodbank supermarket collections are at Tesco, Great Notley, on December 1 and at Solar in Halstead on December 14.
To offer help with the food bank, call 01376 330694 or e-mail info@braintree.foodbank.org.uk.