PROBLEMS with benefits account for almost half the referrals to the Malvern Hills Foodbank, according to figures just out.

As the foodbank approaches its second birthday in February 2015, organisers reveal that in the year leading up to September it had distributed 12,600 kilogrammes of food, helping an estimated 1,300 people.

Dot Haynes of the foodbank said: "Over 70 per cent of clients redeemed just one voucher and over 90 per cent redeemed one or two vouchers, so fewer than ten per cent needed more than two vouchers. This confirms that we are providing help in an emergency and not continuing help over a period of time."

The main reasons for referral were benefit delay (29 per cent), low income (19 per cent), benefit change (16 per cent) and debt (11 per cent).

"So 45 per cent of referrals are benefits-related, such that, once the benefits system catches up, the client no longer needs the foodbank," said Mrs Haynes.

The foodbank was founded by Churches Together in Malvern and is affiliated with the Trussell Trust, which provides foodbanks across the country.

She said that clients are referred to the foodbank by agencies that include the Citizens Advice Bureau, Evergreen Childrens’ Centre, Sunshine Children's Centres, Fortis Living and CRI Pathways to Recovery.

All the agencies work with the clients to get to the root cause of the crisis and the foodbank can also provide some signposting.

"We are working with a nutritionist to help clients get the best from their food and Trussell Trust are piloting a debt management advice scheme," said Mrs Haynes.

The scheme depends on public generosity for the food that it distributes, with collections at many local churches, at Lyttelton Well in the town centre and at Just So in Barnards Green.

Foodbank volunteers have also staged collections at Waitrose and Morrisons in Malvern and Tesco at St Peter's, and has permanent collection boxes at Tesco and Waitrose.

"We also receive donations from individuals, businesses and schools and in October, our stocks were boosted by the proceeds of numerous harvest festivals.

"We have also received cash donations; many are regular via standing order and some from one-off fund-raising events. Cash is essential to pay the bills and our thanks go to all our supporters," said Mrs Haynes.