THOUSANDS of food parcels are being handed out across Dorset every year, figures reveal.

Food banks and advice organisations are now joining forces to see how they can do even more to help those in need.

The Dorset Councils Partnership and Churches Together in Dorset held a joint event to examine the problem of hunger and food poverty.

In 2016 Weymouth Food Bank fed 1,969 people, each of whom received three meals for three days - a total of 17,721 meals.

In Bridport and Lyme Regis only 2015 figures were available and 1,008 food parcels were handed out in Bridport and 1,386 in Lyme Regis.

In 2016, 954 food parcels were handed out in Dorchester. In Sherborne food parcels are larger, with enough food for seven days.

In 2016, 788 parcels were handed out.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin attended the event, along with the Citizen Advice Bureaux.

Tom Murphy, of Churches Together, who organised the event, said: “The special meeting was an opportunity for food banks to discuss with Sir Oliver Letwin MP the work undertaken by voluntary and community organisations, including the churches, to establish and manage food banks.

"The main reasons why people go to food banks is because of the delays in paying benefits. Also Dorset is a low wage area. Therefore, those working often have to rely on food banks to put food on the table for their families."

Cllr Anthony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “I am pleased the Dorset Councils Partnership has been able to support our local food banks by hosting a session where they came together to share their knowledge.”

Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, added: “I am glad this session was held to help our local food banks support each other by sharing expertise. It is good news that the Dorset Councils Partnership was able to help by providing a venue.” 

At the meeting it was agreed that a standard voucher, to be used across all food banks in Dorset, will be designed and issued. Where practical, cooking equipment will be made available to families and food banks will also consider producing a joint information leaflet. 

People who use the foodbanks will also be signposted to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, which offers a free referral service offering smoke detectors, heaters, blankets and socks for the vulnerable. 

Food banks can be found across the Dorset Councils Partnership area (Weymouth and Portland, North Dorset and West Dorset) in Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Gillingham, Portland, Sherborne and Weymouth. 

More information and a directory explaining how you can help a foodbank or find out how to access them is available at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/eating-opportunities