A FOOD bank under pressure says it can no longer afford to issue vouchers for meat.

Kidderminster Foodbank previously put out an appeal "pleading" for more donations after facing a "very high" demand for supplies.

Now, the food bank has announced they will stop issuing meat vouchers due to rising costs. 

They said it was "not an easy decision to make" but an "essential one."

In a statement, Kidderminster Foodbank said: "Please note that due to the rising costs of essential supplies, and the continuing increase in the need for food bank parcels, we will no longer be able to issue meat vouchers.

"This will be from Monday 13th May 2024.

"This will ensure we will be able to continue to supply three day emergency food parcels and practical support for as long as our community need us".

Kidderminster Shuttle: (L-R) Volunteers Christine Vass and Angela Curtis with food bank manager Nina Price(L-R) Volunteers Christine Vass and Angela Curtis with food bank manager Nina Price (Image: Kidderminster Foodbank)

The food bank recently shared a photo of shelves looking bare. Stocks had depleted after supporting several large families with multiple children.

In an appeal on Facebook, they food bank said: "Our shelves are looking very bare and our stocks are very low with demand unfortunately being very high.

"We are pleading for more donations please".

Nina Price, manager of Kidderminster Foodbank, said the appeal has been put out because of the increased number of people using the service, not because people aren't donating. 

People can bring food or toiletries straight to Kidderminster Foodbank, Swan Centre, Blackwell St, Kidderminster DY10 2DP on Monday's, Wednesday's or Friday's between 10am and 3pm.

People can also donate at the Tesco shop at Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster and Stourport or Sainsbury's in Kidderminster and Bewdley.