A council is increasing its support for local foodbanks amid soaring need.

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is giving a combined total of £50,000 to two charities, after December saw a 100% increase in foodbank deliveries across the borough.

MBC is giving the Salvation Army Foodbank in Maidstone £20,000, while Maidstone Family Foodbank will receive £30,000, in order for the charities to increase their support for those in need for an extended period of time.

According to the council, this month's rise is due to various reasons, including the pandemic. Maidstone accounts for 25% of food boxes that are distributed across Kent, the council said.

MBC Leader, Cllr David Burton, Conservative, said: “We know it has been a very difficult time for many people over the past couple of years as the Covid pandemic has continued.

"The council is pleased to be able to support these local community organisations which are providing such an essential service in our borough and helping people who may not be able to afford the food they need.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who work so tirelessly at the food banks across the borough and to all volunteers for their continued dedication not just at Christmas but all year round.”

Working with the Salvation Army and Family Foodbank Maidstone, the council will also be monitoring the number of people using their services and offering support to anyone who may need help with housing, Covid vaccination advice and financial hardship.

Every Christmas, Kent Online's sister paper, the Kent Messenger, supports Homeless Care's drive for donations over December.

The campaign, called You Can Help, appeals for financial donations, as well as food and items of clothing.

Homeless Care, based in Maidstone, runs a day centre for the homeless and a foodbank for the vulnerable and those in need.

In November, manager of the day centre, Matt Lamb, said there has been a particular rise in demand for the foodbank in the previous six months.

He said the rise in need could be down to the end of furlough, people losing their jobs due to the pandemic and the end of the £20 universal credit uplift.