For a family to have been without food and drink for two days in a UK city in 2012 is something that simply should not be happening.

So it is shocking and unacceptable to find just such a situation reported by the Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank.

The news that this organisation’s work has increased over recent months is not so surprising in the current economic climate.

But even allowing for the very real hardship and deprivation the recession is causing, it is nevertheless also quiet shocking to learn that the demand for the food bank has doubled.

Those who run the food bank say there are a number of factors contributing to this situation, one of which would appear to be changes to the benefits system.

But children should not be in a position where they are going hungry and their parents don't know where their next meal is coming from.

For whatever reason – and there are social as well as economic factors at play here – too many families are slipping through the net.

That is a problem that has to be addressed by politicians sooner rather than later.

But in the meantime, organisations like this food bank need our support to continue their vital work.

And while all of us have been affected to a greater or lesser extent by the recession, most of us fortunately do have food in our cupboards and the means to keep them stocked.

Perhaps that is something we can all bear in mind next time do our shopping – and consider whether we can afford to buy an extra tin or packet to donate.