Preston’s Salvation Army food bank has told the Guardian it’s “down to the last few tins” as referrals increase and donations drop.

Since the start of the summer holidays the food bank has given out over 1,000 food bags.

The centre launched an urgent appeal for new supplies at the same time last year, after Holiday Hunger kicked in during the summer break.

In the Guardian article, centre coordinator Claire Bowerman said referrals had increased by 150% compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile donations have dropped by about 80%.

Claire said that while the recent roll out of Universal Credit was to blame for the increased need, she wasn’t sure why there had been a reduction in donations.

She said: “People may be a bit fed up of donating or continuously seeing our appeals. Maybe people haven’t got the money any more.”

The centre is in need of all non-perishable foods, apart from tea bags and cereal.

Donations can be taken to the Salvation Army in Harrington Street and online shopping deliveries can also be sent. Collection points can be found at Morrisons on the Docks and Sainsbury’s at Deepdale.

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For more information about what’s needed and when donations can be accepted, call the Salvation Army Preston on 01772 555425 or visit Facebook.