A food bank reports a sharp drop in custom, but even people in work still need it.

Last year, the facility based in Walton Community Centre received a “rush” of needy customers, it believes were caused by government benefit changes.

But now the food bank says the benefits system settling down means far fewer needed the service this year.

Walton Food Bank was mooted by Churches Together in Walton and co-ordinated by Jane Robinson, of Walton Road, to cope with a growing need for such a service.

Every week since 2013, the bank, based in Walton Community Centre, has been supporting families in Walton, Frinton, Great Holland, Thorpe-le-Soken and Kirby-le-Soken.

During the past year, the foodbank helped 73 families or households and gave out 270 food parcels.

This compares with 107 families and 500 food parcels in 2014-15 and 80 families receiving 252 parcels in the food bank’s first year.

Foodbank administrator Dick Bloxsidge suspects last year’s figure was affected by government benefit changes, which have since settled down.

“Last year there were many changes in the benefits system, but not so much this year,” he said.

“But it’s not just people on benefits we help. We also help people in low paid work who cannot keep up with their costs. Unexpectedly people fall into need,” he said.

The people who receive the support are referred to the food bank by groups including the local clergy, social services, health workers and schools.

However, if anyone turned up needing some support, they would not be turned away.

But the agencies who refer people make checks to see those who seek help are genuinely needy and as it is a local service, the food bank operators usually know the people they are dealing with.

“We can see if they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes. We have had a few cases of that, but the vast majority of cases, 99%, are in genuine need,” Mr Bloxsidge continued.

To help, people can leave donations at local churches, plus branches of the Co-op and Tesco.

The food is distributed from Walton Community Centre on Standley Road, Walton, on a Monday. It has a team of 25 volunteers who work on a rota.

On Tuesday May 17th, the food bank stages its AGM at All Saints Church Hall, Martell Road, Walton.

“We will continued as we have been doing, helping those in need in the community,” Mr Bloxsidge added.