TWO tonnes worth of extra food was needed at Slough food bank in 2016 compared to 2015, statistics have revealed.

The figures, released by Trussel Trust, show that 58 more people had to rely on Slough’s food bank than in the previous year.

While the statistics show a far from sharp increase, food bank workers are still concerned.

Slough’s food bank manager, Sue Sibany-King said: “The stats for 2015 are very similar to 2016, just a slight increase last year.

“About 38 tonnes were donated in 2015 and just over 40 tonnes in 2016.

This shows that the issues causing food poverty are failing to be addressed. It’s good to be able to help people but ideally we would like to see the number decreasing not remaining similar year on year to avoid so many people facing such hardship and embarrassment.”

The total statistics for 2016 show that 3,166 people received three-day food parcels, including 1,061 children.

Referred by Shelter, 47 year old John was one of the many who relied on the food bank last year.

He said: “I had worked for two weeks without being paid by my agency. This and not being paid for the previous contract has led me to this crisis.

“Without the food bank I simply would not have anything to eat.”