FAMILIES in need of emergency food packages this half-term holiday can pick one up today.

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT), which launched an affordable food programme in Darlington earlier this year, is making a weekend delivery of emergency free school meal packages.

They are available from the foyer of Darlington Town Hall between 1pm and 2pm today.

Any families in need of food support can pick one up.

Covid-safe procedures will be in place and people are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing.

The charity said each package will include fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as cupboard goods so parents can offer their children healthy and nutritious foods.

It is part of a town wide effort to make sure children don’t go hungry, led by members of the public, local businesses including the staff at Cummins, the charity First Stop and Darlington Borough Council.

Mark Game, chief executive of TBBT: "Making sure that low income parents can feed their families is what TBBT is all about and I'm delighted to be working with the great people of Darlington to provide this vital service.

“We know that 80 per cent of our members have gone hungry in order to feed their kids and as the effects of Covid continue to bite, we know that more people than ever will need support this half term and on throughout the winter."

Manchester-based TBBT launched in Darlington in March and will be opening its fifth hub in the town in November.

Almost 500 Darlington families a week already benefit from the affordable food service.