A charity that works in Bulgaria and the UK is encouraging people to buy an extra tin or packet of food when they visit the supermarket and then donate it to a food bank so it can be given out to someone in crisis or with insufficient benefits, with a Christian message or two.

The charity, Trussell Trust, point out that 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK and that UK Foodbanks fed 128,697 in 2011-12, double the previous year, but is a religious charity foodbank the way forward? Do you have better ideas about how to tackle poverty in Hackney, or how to improve our food system so people don't starve without a handout from Tesco, even if they are living below the poverty line?

Hackney Foodbank's news release:

Hackney Foodbank preparing to open
Tue Jun 5, 2012 5:53 pm

The foodbank is the first of its kind in the borough. It will provide emergency food parcels and support to local families in a crisis. The Trussel Trust recently announced a 150% increase in demand for foodbanks across the capital this year, and those behind the foodbank in Hackney are in no doubt that there is a huge demand in this area.

The Hackney Food bank is being set up by a consortium of local community groups, with the support of the Trussell Trust. The foodbank will rely on the goodwill of the local community, a large team of volunteers and support from local businesses.

Hackney Foodbank co-ordinator Helen Moules said: "We're calling on local shoppers to add an extra item to their grocery shop this Saturday to help local people in need. We know that there is a desperate need for this service in Hackney, and it will make a real difference to the lives of people who are in crisis."

Further information about the Hackney foodbank can be found at http://www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk