THE Mail staff have set the ball rolling in putting the first food in a new collection basket at our offices.

This week we launched a campaign to ensure no person in Furness, Millom or Ulverston goes hungry over the coldest months of the year.

The Mail, in conjunction with the foodbank, is trying to build up its food stores to 35 tonnes of food by the end of January.

So far there is 17 tonnes waiting to be distributed.

To fulfil this dream we need help from The Mail readers.

Yesterday a new basket was dropped off at our offices for readers to drop in any food they want to donate.

And to start filling up the basket, Mail staff have been out shopping for teabags and tinned goods.

Reporter Dan Taylor was one of those happy to help.

“As reporters, we are at the heart of the Barrow community and it is our duty to give something back,” he said. “Even though it is a small gesture, if people just pick up an extra two tins next time they are shopping that will go a long way.”

The Mail’s editor Vanessa Sims said she was delighted with how the campaign was progressing.

“It’s only been a couple of days since we launched the ‘Feed our Foodbanks’ campaign, but already we are seeing the generosity of our community come to the fore,” she said. “The winter months can be tough for people who have to choose between heating their homes, or putting food on the table.”

According to Barrow foodbank’s project manager Ann Mills, volunteers give out six and a half tonnes of food every month and as Universal Credit gets rolled out they expect a 31 per cent increase in demand. Donations can be made directly to the foodbank or dropped off at our office in Abbey Road.