More than 1,000 people in South Tyneside set to use Hospitality and Hope food bank this Christmas

Hospitality and Hope, based on Hampden Street in South Shields, supports vulnerable and homeless people through the likes of its foodbank and soup kitchen.

It faces year-round demand for its food bank, distributing on average 25 food parcels per week, as well as access to toiletries, clothing, bedding, shower and laundry facilities.

The charity also offers offer hot meals two days per week for up to 100 people.

With Christmas coming, it faces an even greater demand from struggling families.

This month Hospitality and Hope issued a call for donations from the public to help those in need during its busiest period.

And now charity bosses have revealed that demand for their foodbank is increasing at a rate of more than 30% year on year.

Paul Oliver, chief executive of Hospitality and Hope said: “Our current stats show that demand for the foodbank is increasing at a rate of over 30% year on year with the largest increase coming from families with children.

“November and December are typically the busiest months of the year, with families struggling in the winter and in the run up to Christmas.

“Between now and Christmas we estimate about 1,100 people will use our foodbank with almost half of those being children.”

If you’re looking to do a good turn this festive season, Hospitality and Hope is appealing for donations to support those families across the borough who need its help with food parcels.

From store cupboard essentials to toiletries, the foodbank team needs you to top up its stocks so it can continue making parcels for those who may otherwise go without.

Items urgently needed include long life milk, tinned meat or fish and baby food.

People wishing to make donations can visit the centre’s premises on Hampden Street between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, food can be bought and added to a pick point at Asda in South Shields and Boldon, or Sainsbury’s at the Nook.

Hospitality and Hope can also be supported online via the Spareable app.