A foodbank in Bexley that has seen a “huge rise” in the number of people it feeds has appealed for vital donations.

Bexley Foodbank, a registered charity, is struggling to “supply food to the most vulnerable” in society.

It comes as a national surge in the use of foodbanks following the hot weather that has been gripping the country.

But the manager of the foodbank, which receives no government help, says the situation is not just because of the weather.

Gillian Bates said: “It’s the same story all over south east London. The picture doesn’t change because of the season.

“We rely on donations all year round. October is when the harvest starts and we get a lot then because people are very generous – but during the rest of the year our stock falls.”

Bexley Foodbank opened in 2012 and has seen a “huge increase” in people relying on the service.

Figures show that in the last financial year a record number of people were fed by the foodbank.

“We have an enormous take-up here,” Ms Bates said, “And that has been down to a lot of things, for example more people now know about us. In our first year we had just over 1,000 people, the latest figures show 5,517 people.

“It’s surprising that people don’t think there are foodbanks here, but I suppose it’s the kind of thing that if it doesn’t affect you, it goes in one ear and out the other.

“I think people now know about it and more and more people realise others are struggling. Informing people is the most important.”

The manager said that out of the three areas they have centres – Erith, Sidcup and Bexleyheath – the biggest uptake is in Erith.

She said the main reasons relate to low income, child and working tax credit changes, addiction and domestic violence.

According to Gillian, the biggest reason people use foodbanks is due to changes to the benefit system that can cause delays to receiving cash.

The centre will be hosting a meeting next month ahead of the rollout of Universal Credit in October, another change to the benefits system that is expected to impact the charity.

The foodbank is appealing for donations such as tinned fruit and veg, long life stocks and pastas.

Bexley Council said it is looking at ways it can work with organisations to support residents.

A spokesman said: “Foodbanks in Bexley form part of our dedicated charitable and voluntary sector. Their work provides important additional support services within our community.

“We are working with our partners to support residents who need help as well as prepare for the roll out of Universal Credit.

“It is a priority for the council to support residents to address financial difficulties that they face and we provide funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau to provide debt advice and budgeting support to residents who are experiencing financial difficulties.

“We also work with Kent Savers credit union to support residents to clear rent arrears, and we provide Discretionary Housing Payments to help residents whose Housing Benefit or Universal Credit payments do not fully cover their rent.

“Our Resources and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee are currently undertaking a project looking into financial inclusion.”