Brighton and Hove’s food banks could face closure as demand grows due to the cost of living crisis.

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership has revealed that more than 6,400 people rely on food banks in the city - up 25 per cent on last year. Around a third of those needing support are children.

An annual survey found that the cost of living crisis is forcing those in work and students, along with elderly people and those experiencing ill health, to seek emergency food support.

Rising demand is putting growing pressure on emergency food suppliers, especially as food costs continue to rise and donations fall.

The survey revealed that nearly half of the city’s food banks have insufficient funds to see them into 2024, with emergency food providers spending an average of £15,800 a week to top up dwindling stock levels - up 59 per cent on last year.

One food project worker said: “If we don’t take on new referrals, the money might take us to December.

“Unfortunately, we are getting more referrals and these are families with children which I find difficult to turn down.”

READ MORE: More than one million food parcels needed for winter, charity predicts

Of the 46 emergency food suppliers which responded to the survey, 26 reported a drop in food or financial donations, 24 said stock levels were significantly down and 23 admitted to having to dip into financial reserves.

Among the food items in high demand in Brighton and Hove are cooking oil, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs.

Ali Ghanimi, senior manager for Brighton and Hove Food Partnership, said: “Food poverty in Brighton is becoming the new normal and that is simply unacceptable.

“The level of expenditure emergency food network members are enduring is unsustainable.

“National and local governments, employers and educational bodies all need to wake up, face their responsibilities and take action now.”

To try and help the city’s food banks through the winter, Brighton and Hove Food Partnership has set up the Food SOS Harvest Festival campaign and is urging schools and businesses in the city to coordinate donations to food banks, charities and social supermarkets in their local area.

Those wanting to support the campaign can contact the organisation by calling 01273 234810 or by emailing info@bhfood.org.uk.