Foodbank staff have warned that the sharp rise in figures is "just the tip of the iceberg".

New figures released by Bournemouth Foodbank reveal demand for three-day emergency food parcels rose by 32 per cent in November - a month after the cut to Universal Credit.

Now, staff have warned that families already at breaking point face an even tougher winter following the £20 Universal Credit cut in October, on top of rising fuel costs and soaring inflation.

Debbie Coombes, director of Bournemouth Foodbank said: “It’s not right that people in our community are needing a charity’s help to put food on the table.

"Everyone in Bournemouth should be able to afford the essentials. And we know our figures are just the tip of the iceberg as different community food organisations have also been working during the pandemic to support our community.

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“Our statistics show that in October, 680 vouchers for emergency food parcels were issued to families facing crisis in Bournemouth – in November, that figure rose to 900. In previous years, we usually see November’s demand double in December as people start having to choose between putting food on the table and heating their homes.

“We’re always blown away by the amount of support and generosity local people show in supporting our work – our vital work has only been possible because of that incredible support. Thank you so much.

“While our help continues to be needed, we’re dedicated to ensuring that people without enough money for food are able to access emergency support because we don’t think it’s right that any of us are forced to turn to any charity for emergency food. We’re proud to be pushing for the long-term changes we need to reach a future where everyone has enough money for the essentials.”

Nick Bold, life centres project manager at Faithworks has also seen demand for their services soar this month. He said: "The four food banks that Faithworks oversee in Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne and Blandford are seeing very similar increases to that of Bournemouth Food Bank.

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"We anticipate that the increase in demand will last throughout Christmas and continue into the new year as the impact in the reduction of Universal Credit, the end of furlough and price increases take full effect."

Tracy Blick, manager of Christchurch Foodbank added: “Things have not really slowed down since the lockdown.

"Demand is up around 30 per cent on previous years and most days we have a queue waiting for food when we open of individuals and families we have not seen before.

"We are expecting another very busy Christmas season, with 84 families already referred to us for our ‘Turkey and all the trimmings scheme’ whom otherwise would be eating tinned food and pasta on Christmas day. For many Christmas day is just another day to survive.”

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Councillor Jane Kelly, lead member for communities said: "BCP Council recognise the negative impact that the pandemic has had on local people’s finances and this has led to more people being in crisis. That’s why BCP Council set up the household support fund to help vulnerable families and individuals across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with support with winter warmth costs and access to food.

"We’ve also set up the ‘Access to Food Partnership’ which is made up of BCP Council, Public Health Dorset, Community Action Network and the Community & Voluntary Sector to build food resilience in the conurbation. The partnership’s mission is to ensure everyone can access food when in crisis, but also to equip families with the confidence, skills and resources to consistently feed themselves. The Access to Food Partnership has been busy identifying additional support for the Christmas period, which can be found on our website."

To access community food support and get financial help with paying your bills, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/news/news-features/covid-19/help-advice-and-support/household-support-fund.aspx

To donate to Bournemouth Foodbank, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/bournemouth-foodbank-2022.