LOW incomes are increasingly becoming the main reason why people are turning to Basingstoke Foodbank, which is on course to help a record number of people this year.

New figures released to the Gazette show low income is the main reason for people needing crisis food parcels from the charity, rather than benefit-related issues.

Meanwhile, since October 1 last year, the food bank branch has provided 2,825 parcels from its Basingstoke and Tadley sites - on course to eclipse the 3,903 provided from October 2017 to September 2018.

This is the equivalent of more than 10 people every day finding themselves in a crisis situation when it comes to being able to feed themselves or their family.

The number of parcels being handed out has risen significantly since its first year of operations when 1,995 were provided.

But this is not necessarily a reflection of increasing people in the Basingstoke area being in food poverty, according to Paula.

Paula Vallance, Basingstoke Foodbank operations and development manager, said: "When we started, in our first year we partnered with ten agencies - that has grown every year. We now have about agency teams we work with.

"You can see there is a lot more people using the food bank, but it could just be that we have got the message out there and there is better access with the number of agencies who can provide [food bank] vouchers."

However, the numbers of people being fed by the food bank is higher than these figures as the service also tops up emergency food cupboards at facilities such as Citizens Advice.

The figures also show that the largest social grouping seeking support from Basingstoke Foodbank is single people - 59 per cent of all clients.

Paula added: "Single people often do not have the buffer of having another person in the household so unexpected bills or loss of employment affect them disproportionately.

However 28 per cent of clients have children to look after with 17 per cent of referrals being single parents and a further 11 per cent classed as families.

As reported last week, Basingstoke Foodbank is searching for a new base of its operations.

To get in touch with suggestions for a new location for Basingstoke Foodbank, or any charity partners wishing to share a premise, email admin@basingstoke.foodbank.org.uk.