AN URGENT appeal has gone out for more donations to get a Bradford foodbank over Christmas.

Extra basic items are needed to cope with soaring demand for help.

And the man who runs the foodbank warns: “It will be 10 times worse in the new year.”

Lashman Singh, who started Bradford Metropolitan Foodbank just over 15 years ago, is now handing out more than 1,450 parcels a month. And the figures are rising.

“When we started you were lucky to give out 80 a month,” said Lashman.

He feels sure of a good response.

“Bradford is a very giving place,” he said. “It is immense.”

The parcels handed out don’t include fresh produce and hygiene items.

“We are making this appeal because demand simply exceeds supply,” he said.

“The parcel is 80 per cent standard with food such as beans, pasta, sauce, biscuits, tea and coffee.

"The same structure for every one. We then get extra stuff such as bakery and hygiene items.

“Now Christmas is coming and it is going to be hard to cope with the extra demand.

“New Year is ten times worse. People have exhausted their spending and the bills are starting to come in.

“We will struggle to bring happiness to people at Christmas itself. Then after that, when all the hype is over, reality kicks in. So demand will be greater.”

Lashman is appealing now for more standard items to cope with these pressures.

“We don’t want to see anyone going short at all,” he said. “We do our best to make sure the festive season is provided for.”

He asks that people don’t donate anything seasonal as lots of festive-type foods comes in after Christmas. The foodbank needs things like cereal, milk, pasta, etc.

Lashman says Universal Credit is a major factor in the increase in demand - along with zero hours contracts and part-time working. But he says that also, people in difficulty in the south are sent north where accommodation is cheaper. “But once here they have no family, friends or structure and charities have to take over,” he said.

The foodbank is open virtually every day but only for professional agencies such as social workers who make an appointment to come and arrange parcels for those who need help. They then distribute the food.

The premises are not publicised and individuals can’t access them.

As to how he deals with the pressure, Lashman says: “You have to cut yourself off to some extent or you would not be able to cope. You would be consumed by poverty and would not be able to do your job. You have to be detached to deliver the help.”

He is urging people to start the extra giving now.

“The help is aimed at every sector of the community even though Christmas is a Christian festival,” said Lashman. “Thirst and hunger don’t have barriers. We are a humanitarian project. Each one of us - from donor to recipient - is just a cog in the wheel and help has to be fairly given out.”

lThose who want to donate can find details of drop-off and collection points and contact numbers on the foodbank website.