Generous Dalston shoppers donated nearly a tonne of food in just eight hours on Saturday to help Hackney Foodbank get off to a flying start.

Customers at Sainsbury’s in Kingsland Shopping Centre were asked to add a few extra items to their weekly shop to help families in crisis.

In total, 941.31 kilograms of food were donated at the first supermarket collection, but more is needed before the foodbank can start providing emergency food parcels.

Foodbank co-ordinator Helen Moules said: “The collection went really well. I’m really pleased with the total, considering it was a hot sunny day. I was wondering whether that would reduce the number of shoppers.

“You get different reactions from people as they come in. It’s new to Hackney so it’s something the shoppers hadn’t encountered before.

“One man went into the shop, came out and practically emptied his bag into our trolley, then he went back into Sainsbury’s and did his own shopping.

“There’s no pressure to give. It’s amazing that even people on a low income themselves are keen to give.”

Dalston Sainsbury’s store manager Rob McCracken said: “I was amazed to see how generous our customers were for such a worthy local cause, especially with tightened purse strings all round. It made us all proud to support the community.”

Children were among the 22 volunteers for the foodbank, which is already receiving requests for help.

At the moment, people in need are referred to Bethnal Green Foodbank but Ms Moules said the launch date for Hackney Foodbank should be announced in the next few weeks.

She urged people to continue donating to reach the three-tonne target.

Donations of non-perishable, in-date food items can still be made at Stoke Newington Safestore, 4 Somerford Grove, Stoke Newington. For details go to http://hackney.foodbank.org.uk