AN INCREASING number of families in Weymouth and Portland are turning to a food bank because they cannot afford to eat.

Hundreds of people in the borough are facing a hungry Christmas because of slashed benefits, rising utility bills and soaring living costs.

Many are expected toturn up on Christmas Day to get food to feed their families.

The Weymouth and Portland Food Bank, based at Weymouth Baptist Church, help feed more than 600 people – none of whom is homeless.

There are dozens of regular voucher holders who have been referred by GPs, health visitors and teachers.

Clients vary from single parents to large families and from single people to young couples.

The Food Bank, which is run by volunteers and kept going by donations from 10 churches, is in such high demand that it will be open on Christmas Day.

Coordinator Lily Mockett runs the food bank with her husband Bob.

She said: “We’ve been going for a year. We didn’t think there was that much need in the area. I was surprised.

“We give a family of two adults and two children four carrier bags full of food.

“We’ve provided an extra bag of Christmas treats containing selection boxes, mince pies, Christmas puddings, things that people can’t afford to buy.

“We’ve persuaded people that it will be completely confidential. We don’t want our clients to feel embarrassed.

“We heard from a teacher about an infant school child who was going without breakfast.

“The mum was given a voucher and when she came to us she burst into tears.”

Mrs Mockett said the teacher rang back and said the woman wanted the charity to know that she would encourage anyone in a similar situation to use this service. She added: “We’re aiming for people not to feel like charity cases.”

Soul Food, a Weymouth charity supporting the homeless, has been feeding 140 people during four shifts a week.

Volunteer outreach worker Angie Barnes said: “Even trying to begin to think about how many people would be in need of a food bank is an impossible task.

“Even people who have got jobs and are working all the hours God sends are still struggling.

“Part of the problem Dorset has got is the high cost of living and wages are not in line with this.

“Employment in Weymouth is more of a seasonal thing.

l Food can be dropped at the Weymouth and Portland Food Bank at 18 The Esplanade, Weymouth, every Tuesday and Friday morning, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Call 0753 1167465 for more information. To make a donation to Soul Food call Angie Barnes on 07921 905347.