More than 400 people receiving help from food bank in Jersey

Around 400 parcels of food and basic essentials are now being delivered to people struggling to make ends meet because of coronavirus in Jersey.

Charities in the island are coming together to keep up with the growing demand, with deliveries now having to take place three days a week.

The effort is being coordinated by the Salvation Army, along with The Jersey Employment Trust, St Vincent de Paul, Caritas and The Grace Trust.

In the second week of operation, the charities reached out to around 100 households in the island, which was more than double its first week.

That trend seems to be continuing with the pressure on families increasing, as the coronavirus pandemic develops in the island.

The lockdown rules have forced businesses to close and as a result, hundreds of islanders have seen either their pay reduced, or lost their jobs completely.

Richard Nunn from the Salvation Army says the support the charities are getting from the public as well as supermarkets, who have been donating food or selling it to them at discounted prices, is vital.

He also says that more volunteers will be needed as the crisis goes on.

Islanders looking to volunteer where they can, are able to register to the volunteer.je website which is organising where people can help out.

The Salvation Army has also set up a JustGiving page so can people can donate to the relief effort.

Jamie Smith from JET, collecting food from the Salvation Army premises in Minden Street. Credit: Caroline Moody

The charities are urging islanders to contact them if they need their support and not to feel any shame in doing so.

They are reminding people that anyone can fall into hardship during this uncertain time.

The number to contact them is 01534 872 270.

Food deliveries from the service are now taking place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

WATCH Liam McConkey's report here: