Despite the welfare system there are still thousands of individuals across Britain who go hungry every week.

Food banks across the UK provided over 1.3 million food packages last year to people who needed emergency food supplies at a time of crisis.

In rural areas such as West Devon there are particular challenges for people in need. We need to ensure that they can get help and support locally when they face financial difficulties.

The Okehampton Foodbank works with partners in the local area to provide a safety net for individuals and families who don't have enough money to buy the food they need.

We are completely reliant on the generous donations we receive. Many local people donate food but every month we spend about £300 on essential food stuffs like milk and tinned food to provide for people in need.

A donation of £10 will allow us to provide three days' food for a single homeless person. A donation of £25 will provide for a small family.

The Foodbank is open every Friday 10-12 noon and is based at the Okehampton Baptist Church on Fore Street.