THE Mail today launches an emergency foodbank appeal as supplies at the vital community facility plunge to their lowest level in five years.

We are urging businesses and members of the public who can help to donate cash to a special fund, or help with items of food.

There has been an increase of 30 per cent in the number of people asking for help. And with the summer holidays just weeks away, demand is set to soar.

Editor of The Mail, James Higgins, said: "The moment we heard of the looming crisis, we immediately said something must be done.

"We cannot allow families with children - indeed anyone who is struggling to make ends meet - to live in a world where they are missing meals and have empty cupboards.

"We've kicked off the campaign with a trolley-load of food - and that's just for starters.

"I'd urge anyone who can help to do just that. It does not have to be a grand gesture. A tin here or a packet there will make a massive difference."

Changes to benefits have been cited as one of the reasons for the huge increase in demand seen by the foodbank.

Set up in 2012, the charity, based at Abbey Road Baptist Church, Barrow, offers enough food for three days of nutritionally balanced meals to people struggling to make ends meet.

Last year, the foodbank gave out 7,251 packages.

Ann Mills, who is the foodbank manager, said: "We are having to help more families and for longer.

"Very soon children whose main meal of the day is at school will be at home and that places pressure on families who will need our help.

"We are asking please that the wonderful people of the area help where they can. They have always been so kind in the past."

Food which can be donated includes cereal, soup, pasta, rice, UHT milk, tinned meat, fish and vegetables, tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits.

Other items can also be donated, including toiletries, cleaning products, baby items and cat and dog food.

You can drop your donated items at The Mail's office in Abbey Road, Barrow.

Supermarkets also have separate foodbank appeals. Donations to the foodbank can be left at Asda, Tesco Extra, Morrisons and a number of other drop-off points in Barrow.

In Ulverston, food can be left at Bethany Church in Lightburn Road or Ulverston Parish Church in Church Walk.

For those who live in Millom, items can be donated via Tesco or Millom Baptist Church.