Food banks across the Channel Islands, specifically in Jersey and Guernsey, are urgently seeking additional financial support due to a surge in demand.

In Guernsey, the Welfare Service is experiencing a significant shortage of essential items such as tinned goods.

Sue Le Friec, welfare co-ordinator for the charity, reported that their annual grant from the Committee for Employment and Social Security is no longer sufficient to cover escalating costs.

Meanwhile, Patrick Lynch, the chief executive of Caritas Jersey, stated that demand at the St Vincent de Paul food bank has risen exponentially.

Previously, the Guernsey Welfare Service assisted an average of 48 islanders per week in 2022, a number that has now increased to over 60.

Both Le Friec and Lynch emphasized the urgent need for additional financial support to ensure their shelves remain stocked and families continue to receive essential food supplies.