"Think of those in need when shopping" says Wiltshire foodbank
Devizes and District Foodbank says even a small contribution can make a big difference
A Wiltshire foodbank is encouraging shoppers across the country to consider those most in need when in supermarkets this winter.
Foodbanks across the country are bracing themselves for increased demand during the winter, as colder weather hits and energy bills rise.
Devizes and District Foodbank manager, Sue Underwood, told us that some families will be forced to choose between heating and eating.
She said: "Because the gas bills and the energy bills will rise and people are putting their heating on the electric will be on in the evening. So it's a question of paying the fuel bills and the energy bills and not having the money leftover for food.
"It's a sad situation that you have to decide what your priority is between food and your heating or your electric, which nobody should be in that situation."
We're reminded that even a small act can make a big difference.
"Sometimes it's just like a tin of potatoes, which actually can be like as little as 35p. If somebody can just afford 35p tin of potatoes in a food box means a great deal to a family."
Push to boost stocks ahead of Christmas
The organisation is busy preparing for the rise in winter demand, with the peak expected shortly after Christmas.
"Families are spending money on Christmas presents," she said. "Their priority is making sure that they're making Christmas a really enjoyable experience for their children. But sometimes it's the detriment of other things like the bills and the food.
"Generally, we will see after Christmas that people will be struggling because at this point a lot of it goes on credit anyway. But after Christmas, when the bills start coming in again, we will see a rise in demand and we will be giving out more food boxes."
Part of their preparation has included harvest donations from schools and churches in the Devizes area, which Sue says has brought in a significant amount of food to support families.
To boost stock levels, the charity will be at a Tesco store in Marlborough, as part of the Winter Food Drive, which Sue hopes will lead to further donations and fund raising.
At present, stocks of soup, vegetables and baked beans are quite high, but there's a lack of hot and cold meat, tinned potatoes and toilet rolls.
We're asked to help out in any way we can.