WINCHESTER Labour Party has donated over £500 worth of food and other essential items to Winchester Basics Food Bank.

The groceries have been donated by local party members.

George Baker, Winchester and Chandler’s Ford’s Labour Parliamentary candidate, said: “This generous donation from all members shows that the Labour Party in Winchester has not forgotten those who are living through the worst excesses of austerity and are daily suffering food poverty.

“In the last year, there has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of people fed in the Winchester area by the food bank.

“They do a tremendous job helping to feed individuals, families, children and many needy people throughout the year. Last year they provided 17,000 days of food with over 2,500 people fed and 470 families helped. The Labour Government is committed to eliminating austerity and food poverty that has become a blight on people’s lives under the Tory and ConDem administration”

The food bank expressed its appreciation for the donation, coming at a time when seasonal demand is high.

As well as food items, the donation included disposable nappies, non-bio washing tablets, Christmas puddings and other seasonal food.

The Highcliffe-based food bank operation will ensure that this donation will reach many people in need.