BLACKBURN’S council leader has called on the public to pledge their support to the Lancashire Telegraph’s campaign to back the area’s foodbanks.

The move comes following research published this week which showed that ‘less than five per cent of foodbank users were homeless’ and that ‘21 per cent of parents in the UK are struggling to feed their children’.

There is a permanent drop-off donation point at the town hall and the council regularly holds events and collection days to encourage as many donations as possible.

Both council staff and local councillors have already raised hundreds of pounds and donated food for the Blackburn Foodbank, which has fed more than 2,000 of the borough’s hidden hungry since it opened eight months ago.

Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It is really sad to see that foodbanks are needed in the 21st century, but they are and I have nothing but praise for the volunteers who are helping those in need.

“It’s no secret that up and down the country, there are people struggling and families are facing tough decisions through no fault of their own.”

A total of 967 referrals to Blackburn Foodbank have been for children, and the research shows that more than one in five people (21%) in the north west have skipped meals or gone without food altogether to feed their family.

Coun Hollern said: “We are living in tough times and this has increased demand on services for those in need.

“But the public sector can’t do it on its own, especially after the cuts it has had to make.

“That is why food banks are vitally important, and we want to commend the Lancashire Telegraph for launching a campaign in support of them.”

HOW TO DONATE TO THE FOODBANK

You can ring 01254 672756 and drop off your donations at the foodbank in Brunswick Street in Whalley Banks behind the garage on King Street, Blackburn, or you can send donations by post to this address.

You can also call 07594 215356 to arrange for the foodbank’s ‘man with a van’ to collect your donations.

Or you can donate at the up-coming supermarket collection.

Every Tesco store in the north west (including Tesco Express and Metro stores) are taking part this weekend.

All you have to do is buy one extra item during your weekly shop and leave it with the volunteers on your way out.

You can even make a donation if you are doing your Tesco shopping online.