BRIDGWATER food bank saw a 15% increase in the number of referrals in the last financial year, new figures show.

Bridgwater food bank revealed it has helped 2,027 between April 2014 and April 2015, which is 268 more than for the same period the previous year.

The figures also show that more than 900 of the referrals were due to delays or changes in benefits payments.

Food bank manager Phil Jarman feels that the situation may get worse. He said: “People are finding things so difficult these days.

“Benefit sanctions especially are really affecting people.

“We’re also seeing more people come in who, perhaps just a month ago, were in full-time employment and living quite comfortably.

“Things can change so quickly which is why it’s so important that people keep donating.”

The statistics also revealed 144 food vouchers were given to families and 120 to single parents.

Since April last year the largest number of referrals came from Westover Ward with 428 users, 18% of whom were children, with 258 from Fairfax, of whom one third were children.

Mr Jarman said the number of donations over the last financial year has also risen, meaning the food bank has so far been able to help those in need; however the situation could turn very quickly.

He said: “We did see a rise in the number of donations over the last year which was wonderful. “I’d really like to thank all the businesses, schools, churches and also private individuals in Bridgwater who have helped us over the last year.

“There are some exceptionally generous people here which means we’ve been able to provide food to those who need it. But we desperately need people to continue to donate, especially if the number of people needing our help continues to increase.”