EALING Foodbank has been running since 2013 and is part of The Trussell Trust's network of over 400 foodbanks.

It was set up by a group of nine people seven years ago, as lots of people felt like one was needed in the borough.

The first branch set up was in Acton and since then another five have been created in Ealing Green, Greenford, Hanwell, Southall and Northolt.

Across all six branches there are over 100 volunteers working, including those who help collect food, pack bags, deal with admin and drivers, among others.

Nub News caught up with the foodbank's manager, Janet Fletcher, who said: "Ealing is one of the biggest boroughs in London, so it was important for us to reach as many people we could, which is why we now have so many locations across different districts."

Food poverty is an issue that has risen to the forefront of the nation's media, especially following Manchester United footballer, Marcus Rashford's campaign for free school meals.

"Foodbanks have become a part of society unfortunately," added Fletcher.

The manager mentioned how the number of people that need the foodbank's help has been increasing year on year.

"This year we have seen a 150% increase on the number of people coming to us compared to last year, which is also a 150% increase on the year before."

More people may need the foodbank's help, but more people are also donating compared to previous years.

This has never been more true than this year, when Ealing Foodbank received its highest ever total of food donations two weeks ago (December 7-13).

Fletcher said: "We received over eight tonnes of food two weeks ago and served over 700 people during that week alone.

"That's a record for us so far, but as things go, these records keep getting broken."

Each recipient gets about 7.5kg of food, which means that over five tonnes of food were distributed two weeks ago.

Approximately 99% of food that is given out to those in need has been donated to the foodbank.

"People have been so generous with their donations, it's very humbling to see how selfless people can be.

"I just hope this continues into the new year too, as January and February are traditionally the months when we receive our least amount of donations during the year," added Fletcher.

Although she is proud of the work all her 'angels' – that's how Fletcher refers to her volunteers – do, she wishes it wasn't needed.

"Foodbanks should be a short term solution, ideally we would like to help prevent people from having to resort to foodbanks."

The foodbank has also been the recipient of donations from many initiatives throughout the borough, such as the £13,110 raised by runners who took part in the virtual version of the Osterley 10k, organised by the Ealing Half Marathon Legacy .

Fletcher was very grateful for the amount raised: "We really appreciate the support of Ealing Half Marathon in organising this fundraising initiative for Ealing Foodbank - the result is absolutely fantastic."

Schools have also donated to the foodbank, with St Benedict's School donating just under a tonne of food in Christmas hampers.

Hilary Padmore, from Ealing Foodbank, said: "On behalf of Ealing Foodbank, I want to say a massive thank you to all pupils, parents and staff for the amazing Christmas donation."

Donations are collected every Wednesday (apart from December 23 and 30) between 10am-4pm from St Mellitus Hall in Hanwell.