A NEW foodbank has opened in the Cotswolds due to the increasing demand for emergency food packages brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The North Cotswold Foodbank has announced that it has opened a new centre in Stow-on-the-Wold today.

This will be the Foodbank’s sixth centre, joining those in Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe and Bishops Cleeve.

The centre is based at Stow Baptist Church and will be open on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm from today for the provision of emergency food parcels.

A team of volunteers, led by Joy Dimond, have already received their induction and training and are looking forward to helping those in need in the Stow area.

Chris Bishop from Stow rugby club will be assisting Joy with the foodbank operation.

Kevin Carden, project manager for North Cotswold Foodbank, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joy and her team to our local foodbank network.

“We have seen a significant increase in clients needing to use the foodbank over the past year, as the coronavirus pandemic has brought financial hardship to many families in our communities, particularly those involved in the hospitality sector.

“More people than ever are struggling to afford to feed themselves and stay warm.

“We know that the new Stow centre will be a valuable asset to our network and help to alleviate the demand at our other centres.”