Hackney Foodbank co-ordinator Helen Moules (left) with Safestore sales assistant James Steadman at the Foodbank storage space

Shoppers in Dalston are urged to donate food this Saturday to help Hackney foodbank open its doors to people in need.

The newly set-up foodbank is hoping to collect over three tonnes of food at its first supermarket collection at Sainsbury’s in Dalston.

Shoppers will be asked to buy a couple of extra items with their weekly shop to donate to the foodbank.

When up and running the foodbank will provide emergency food parcels to support families in crisis.

Hackney Foodbank co-ordinator Helen Moules said: “We’re calling on local shoppers to add an extra item to their grocery shop this Saturday to help local people in need. We know that there is a desperate need for this service in Hackney, and it will make a real difference to the lives of people who are in crisis.”

Figures released last month by the Trussel Trust revealed a 150% increase in demand for foodbanks across the capital this year.

Volunteers will be on hand at Sainsbury’s at the Kingsland Shopping Centre from 10am-4pm this Saturday.

Non-perishable, in-date food items can also be donated at Stoke Newington Safestore, 4 Somerford Grove, Stoke Newington.

Safestore sales assistant James Steadman (pictured) said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Hackney foodbank as it’s such a worthy cause. We hope members of the public will be generous.”

For information visit www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/