THE number of bags of food issued to struggling Chard families by a food bank has trebled since 2011.

Chard’s Lord’s Larder has proven a lifeline to many families over the past four years, filling the cupboards when desperate times mean it is impossible to do so themselves.

Lord’s Larder co-ordinator John White has thanked members of the public for their generosity which has enabled more families to benefit and said that benefit sanctions were to blame.

He told the News: “Much has been said in the press and on TV regarding the number of people in a state of crisis, through no fault of their own, being referred to food banks.

“There is no doubt that a wind of change has swept across our land during 2014.

“The Trussell Trust alone was called upon to feed over 900,000 people nationwide in the last year, including some 330,000 children.

“Here, at the Lord’s Larder in Chard, since 2011 the number of bags of food issued has trebled, from 18 to 54 bags a month, which was during the first quarter of 2014.

“This unprecedented trend has continued for much of the year and looks set to continue into 2015.

“We do not profess to know all the answers but one thing is for sure, there will be no quick fix.

“Let’s hope and pray that through the recent intervention of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the good sense of our Government, a solution will be found.

“Half of all referrals that we see have been benefit-related. More and more people have been coming to us as a result of what can only be described as unfair and harsh benefit sanctions, as well as cuts and delays in pay.

“As we move into 2015, we do so with great hope in our hearts, safe in the knowledge that our fantastic supporters will do much to help those in need here in Chard.

“On behalf of the Lord’s Larder, I would like to say a personal and heartfelt thank you to the people of Chard and district for their greatly appreciated and ongoing support.

“I never cease to wonder at their generosity and inventiveness when it comes to helping those in most need.”

Town councillor Tony Prior said he would like to see more done to help families who have been pushed below the poverty line.

He said: “It’s certainly a worrying trend and quite honestly it’s a sorry state of affairs in this day and age that people don’t have sufficient income to meet their most basic needs. One of the biggest problems has been the so-called bedroom tax, which has pushed people £14-£20 below the line.

“Of course, I would like to see more done but this Coalition government seems to be going the other way and pushing more people into poverty.”

Anyone who would like the help of the food bank, or who would like to give some non-perishable items, should call the Forefront Community Church on 01460-66080.