MORE than 530 children in Redditch have been forced to go to local foodbanks in the last year alone.

Changes to benefits and the roll out of controversial benefits system universal credit has placed huge demands on Redditch foodbank, say the project managers.

The foodbank currently operates out of St Stephen’s Church in the town centre and The Link in Winyates.

From April 1 2017 until March 31 2018, 1,613 people were fed in Redditch, of which 403 were children.

With six weeks to go until the end of the financial year, staff from the foodbank say new stats have "easily surpassed" last year’s figures, with 1,966 people receiving food from the foodbank, of which 530 were children.

Laura Kyte, Foodbank Project Manager, said that foodbanks across the country are suffering and Redditch is no exception.

"Although there has been a dramatic rise in need, we have also seen the generosity of local schools, businesses and churches move to respond to these challenging times," she said.

Acts of Kindness is a charity set up by people of Redditch, for the people of Redditch.

It is made up of various representatives from different churches in the area and since 2011 has been helping residents with food parcels and clothes.

In 2013, the charity partnered with national organisation, The Trussell Trust, to establish Redditch Foodbank, which has been running ever since.

A year later, Acts of Kindness became a fully registered charity in itself, overseeing the foodbank and an annual Christmas project as its major priorities for community outreach.

Ms Kyte said: "The foodbank works with over 40 referral agencies who assist individuals and families in crisis; these include Redditch Borough Council, social services, local churches, charities and schools, many of whom generously donate food to us which enables our work to continue.

"We are also blessed to work with 40 excellent volunteers who enthusiastically give their time and expertise with a heart to help others in their community."

For more on the foodbank, go to redditch.foodbank.org.uk.