DUDLEY Council will pump £25,000 into the Black Country Foodbank as the number of people seeking help from the charity has soared.

The foodbank provided food and toiletries to almost 3,000 adults and 1,027 children across the borough between January and June last year – an increase of 30 per cent over the same period in 2013.

In recognition of the demand, the council has donated the cash from its Welfare Assistance Fund, designed to help borough residents in times of crisis.

Councillor Stuart Turner, cabinet member for finance and deputy leader of the council, said: “Black Country Foodbank provides a real lifeline for some people, and with our help, I am sure we can reach more people who need a little helping hand in these very tough times.”

The council has already set up food drop off points in a number of its buildings where staff can make donations, which are then collected regularly by foodbank staff.

Donations are then distributed to vulnerable individuals and families in crisis, providing three days emergency food supplies while a longer-term solution is developed.

Emma Crook, from the foodbank, added: “It’s frightening to think of how necessary the provision of emergency food has become. We really value the council’s partnership as we provide a few days’ essentials to local people in crisis.

"This breathing space can have real impact when people are faced with, what can sometimes be, devastating challenges and uncertain futures.”

For more information about the Black Country Foodbank visit www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk.