THE number of emergency food parcels handed out to families in crisis has rocketed by more than 200 per cent since April last year.
Volunteers say demand for the Brentwood Foodbank has been partially driven by improved referrals from organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Brentwood Borough Council and the Jobcentre.
But they also add that there is a significant proportion of the town's population struggling to make ends meet because of higher energy bills and other increasing costs.
Delays to benefit payments, low incomes, periods of sickness and the break-up of relationships have all contributed to residents' misfortunes.
In the 11 months between May 2011 and April 2012, Brentwood Foodbank, which is operated jointly by Doddinghurst Road Church and Breakthru Church, fed 147 people.
Already in the seven months since April the organisation has helped 280 people. And the service has not begun its busiest time of winter, when people's living costs rise.
Dean Kitchener, pastor of Breakthru Church, said: "People think there is no need in Brentwood.
"Brentwood has a perception of being very wealthy.
"Areas like Hutton Mount don't help because some people find it hard to see past that.
"But there are areas where people are struggling much more."
The level of child poverty is relatively low in the borough – Brentwood has a child poverty level of 10 per cent, compared with the UK average of one in five children classified as living below the poverty line.
However, in some other parts of Brentwood the problem is much worse. In Hutton North 18 per cent of children are living below the poverty line.
In Brentwood North the rate is 14 per cent, in Brentwood South it is 17 per cent, and in Brentwood West 12 per cent of children are living below the poverty line.
Mr Kitchener said: "The most distressing thing for me is when we get a mum who is concerned for her children.
"Adults can understand and come to terms with it but children don't understand it."
His wife Joy said: "If anyone is in need we are there to serve and the vouchers are there if you need them.
"Looking at the trends we expect to be very busy over Christmas. And it's amazing how quickly our store can go down.
"The main problem over winter is heating bills – some who have no credit are forced to use electricity cards.
"And then they have to choose between energy or food but not both."
People can be referred to the charity by any one of a number of agencies who provide a voucher that can be exchanged for a parcel containing three days' worth of food, typically made of non-perishable items such as dried pasta and tinned vegetables.
Joy added: "People are embarrassed when they come to us but when they come through the door we put them at ease straight away.
"One lady came in and burst into tears while holding a little red voucher.
"We give them a cup of tea or coffee and explain we are not here to judge and that they are not the only person who needs help."
Julie Bowler, who runs the Dodd Road Free Evangelical Church, said: "The recession is starting to bite and people who are struggling go to these agencies who in turn are becoming more aware of us.
"But there are a number of people slipping through the cracks.
"It has taken a long time for the agency to realise we are here.
"It's frightening how many people worry about their children. That's why we put crisps, sweets, and little bits in the food parcels.
"So many people comment about that. The children aren't interested that they've only got beans for tea, but if they have a biscuit, it makes them feel normal.
"That's so important when these people have hit hard times.
"At the end of the day, there but for the grace of God go we."
The Gazette last week reported that plans to replace the Brentwood Breakthru Church on Primrose Hill with flats had been shown to residents living nearby. A planning application to Brentwood Borough Council is expected either before or shortly after Christmas, according to ProVision UK, a specialist developer of churches involved in the project.
