A CARE agency has opened a drop-off point to help stock Wirral Food Bank's shelves as demand for emergency provisions grows.

Premier Care is accepting donations from the public at its office in Clifton Crescent in Birkenhead.

The scheme was introduced as new data shows demand for emergency provsions has more than doubled in one year across the country.

Many foodbank managers say this is a result of changes in benefits and Government sanctions.

Jay Dutson, manager of Premier Care, told the Globe: “We are very happy to become involved with the foodbank. It’s our way of helping give something back to the community.

“We hope as many people as possible support us. We’re planning to set up drop-off points at our seven Wirral branches, so we hope this first one is a success.”

Jayne Branch-Murray, secretary at Wirral Foodbank, said: ”We're very grateful to Premier Care and would encourage your readers to donate provisions at the drop-off point."

"More and more people are coming to us for help. Benefit changes are affecting many people who, in turn, are coming to use the foodbank.

“We are also seeing more working people coming through the doors. For example, those on zero hours contracts."

In a recent survey by the Trussell Trust, which runs foodbanks across the country, 83% said increasing benefit sanctions had been the cause of the rise in people needing their help.

Wirral Foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to each person referred to it by a partner agency.

The team has expanded, with more than 200 volunteers now helping out at the foodbank’s 14 distribution centres and warehouse.

To donate to the Wirral Foodbank visit its warehouse at Unit 14, Wirral Business Centre, Dock Road, Birkenhead. Provisions can also be dropped of at any council-run One Stop Shop or library.