Carlisle Foodbank has issued a plea for help as stock levels reach critical levels due to flooding and the summer holidays.

This time of year is always a busy time for the foodbank, and others across the country, but last week they faced further difficulties after an internal leak.

It came from one of the upstairs storage rooms and soaked the carpets and the cardboard boxes cereals were contained in.

The immediate problem has been dealt with, but there is still a loss of stock.

Rachael Rodway, chairwoman of Carlisle foodbank, said: “We always find the generosity of the Carlisle public overwhelming whenever we have a shortage and we know we can rely on them again.”

They are looking for donations of a wide range of non-perishable items to restock their supplies.

The list includes:

  • Tinned fish;
  • Tinned meat such as spam and ham;
  • Stewed beef and chicken curries;
  • Tinned vegetables;
  • Rice pudding;
  • Tinned fruit;
  • Tinned potatoes;
  • Cereal - including multi-packs for children.

Bread can be donated but only if it is taken directly to the foodbank rather than left in the donations boxes across the Carlisle area.

There has been an outpouring of support from people on Facebook since the foodbank issued the call to action for residents to help them feed the city.

Over the past two weeks, the foodbank has handed out more than 260 food parcels to adults, children, and pets in the city as the school holidays get into full swing.

The summer holidays mark a difficult time for families who struggle to make ends meet as there is an added worry of providing at least one extra meal for children - many of whom rely on free school meals.

Local support facilities like Carlisle Youth Zone have ongoing schemes throughout the summer to help give children meals but, much like the Carlisle foodbank, they also rely on volunteers and public support.

For more information visit www.carlislefoodbank.org.uk or search for Carlisle Foodbank on Facebook.