A foodbank has urged people to check if they can donate urgently-needed goods as demand for food for children spikes during the summer holidays.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Foodbank Fish Club, meals and activities for children in the school holidays, pictured in 2015. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Norwich Foodbank Fish Club, meals and activities for children in the school holidays, pictured in 2015. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The Trussell Trust's network of more than 420 foodbanks - of which Norwich foodbank is part - provided 3,500 more three-day emergency food supplies to children in July and August last year, compared to the previous two months.

Primary school aged children were most likely to receive support, during a time which can see families - particularly those who rely on free school meals - struggling to cope with the additional cost.

The foodbank has urged local families to seek help if they are struggling to afford food - and local people to donate what they are able to.

Hannah Worsley, Norwich foodbank manager, said: 'Lots of people are just getting by day-to-day but find their income simply won't stretch to meet the extra pressure of missing free school meals or paying for extra childcare during the holidays.

'Help is here in Norwich. This summer, for the fifth year, we are running seven separate Food (and Fun) In School Holidays (FISH) clubs across the foodbank's area, providing free fun activities and a free hot meal to local families finding the school holidays hard.

'The club offers children and parents a chance to relax, have some fun and make new friends – it's all about helping each other and recognising that nobody in our community should feel alone.'

She said places had been allocated to local schools, with several clubs already full, but that families should contact admin@norwich.foodbank.org.uk or call 01603 251733 to see if there are spaces available.

Ms Worsley said they would work alongside other Trussell Trust foodbanks to 'bring about long-term change to end hunger not only during the holidays, but at any time of year'.

The items most in need are long-life fruit juice, tinned tomatoes, cereal bars and breakfast biscuits, deodorant and washing powder.

Up to date lists of urgently needed food, and information about where donations can be left, can be found at www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk or on Facebook by searching Norwich Foodbank UK.