Hundreds rely on Carlisle food bank

The numbers of people turning to food banks for temporary help during time of crisis have grown more than ever expected, according to a Carlisle charity.

Carlisle Foodbank opens three times a week at Salvation Army on St Nicholas Road. Volunteers pack bags full of food, and sometimes toiletries and sleeping bags, to give to people in need.

When it first opened in 2012, around 12 people were using the service each week. That figure is now at 70 a week.

Many users say the service is a last resort, but also a lifeline too.

The service opens on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 3pm.

To find out more, or to donate food, click here.