Southminster's food bank is nearing crisis point as it begins to run out of stock and funds.

The vital service, run by volunteers at the United Reformed Church in North Street, was only set up in September last year and provides food parcels to 15 families a week.

However, supplies are running low and volunteers at the Southminster distribution centre of the Dengie Food Pantry are having to delve into their own pockets to buy food to supplement the parcels.

If the situation does not improve soon, the centre will have to close.

Volunteer Jean Fener, 79, of The Endway, Althorne, said: “We have a lot of customers that have food every week and we are feeling that it is very difficult to keep up with the supply."

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