The foodbank, which was set up in the town in 2012, has seen the number of people needing its service double over the last two years, as more families have found they require help due to the pandemic.
At Christmas, the group distributes food parcels to families, and it is expected to deliver around 150-200 per cent to more people than during normal times.
The 12 Days of Christmas campaign launched by Nourish saw people collect one item a day for the foodbank from December 1.
Dawn Stanford, Operations Director at Nourish said: “Nourish Community Foodbank has been blown away by the donations we have received from our local community to support people in food poverty this winter.
“We have had financial support from a number of businesses as well as donations from individuals in return for having a selfie with the giant Teddy Bear in Royal Victoria Place (RVP) Shopping Centre.
“Our 12 days of Christmas campaign has seen schools, clubs, places of worship, businesses and households gathering 12 food items to donate to people in need.
“We had a very successful collection at RVP this weekend, but we are very definitely not done yet, this week we are fully booked for pick-ups from schools, nurseries and clubs.”
She added: “Christmas and the new year are difficult times for a lot of people who are in food poverty. We have already seen a high number of requests for Christmas deliveries, and these will continue to come in right up until the last minute.
“In addition, we normally see a second spike in demand in the New Year and so all these incredible donations will see us through Christmas and into the new year.
“Thank you to everyone who has given their time, money or food donations – we simply couldn’t do what we do without you.”
