The Trussell Trust, which supports over 1,200 food banks in the UK, has today revealed statistics that show an increase in demand for food parcels in Kenilworth and the surrounding areas in 2020.

The charity has released statistics on the number of emergency food parcels that were distributed to people across the United Kingdom between April 1 and 30 September in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Warwick district has seven food banks, including one in Kenilworth, based at the Kenilworth centre.

The report reveals that between April and September 2019 the district distributed 2,579 parcels, 872 of which went to children.

In the same period this year, that number has risen to 3,221 an increase of 642 parcels.

The number given to children rose by 200 meaning that 34 per cent of food parcels in the region were given to young people.

The trend has been mirrored across the West Midlands, as although the number of centres has dropped from 130 to 105, the number of emergency parcels distributed has increased from 74,641 to 108,395. This is an increase of over 45 per cent.

Emma Revie, the charity's chief executive, said volunteers have been working hard to support people in need, but added it is "not right that any of us are forced to use a charity for food, at any time of year".

She added: "In the last few weeks we've seen incredible compassion and concern for people facing hunger following Marcus Rashford's brilliant campaigning, and it's hugely welcome to see the Government build on steps already taken by providing significant new funding for local councils in England.

"This vital local support must work in co-ordination with a national welfare system that is strong enough to act as a lifeline to anyone struggling to afford the essentials."

"This pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit us suddenly, with devastating consequences for people's lives, but it's also shown we can make huge changes to the way we live and look after each other."