A COLLEGE has donated a host of produce and other items to a foodbank as it tries to cope with "unprecedented demand".

Darlington College made the donation to the town's King's Church Foodbank after it put out an appeal for help because of rising demand.

The college donation included a large selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, a case of eggs, fresh milk, yoghurts, as well as boxes of crisps, cooked meats and about 200 rolls of toilet paper.

The Covid-19 crisis has created a huge increase in demand for the services of King’s Church Foodbank on Whessoe Road, with the number of food parcels leaping from 500 a month to more than 650.

However, at the same time donations from drop-off points in supermarkets have plunged by about 40 per cent as a result of the coronavirus crisis and the social distancing requirements in place.

It was Darlington College’s head of estates, James Butterfield that mobilised his staff to come to the foodbanks aid donating produce originally intended for the college’s restaurant, cafe and catering department.

With students currently in lockdown and studying from home, it no longer needs the food.

He said: “The college prides itself on being at the heart of the community and was delighted to respond at this time of unparalleled need.

"Even under normal conditions the foodbank does an exceptional job in helping the people of Darlington.

"Their services have never been in such high demand and we were only too pleased to help.”

The food bank has now been able to share some of the donations with others.

Foodbank manager Caroline Todd said: “We were so thrilled with the College’s donation and the support we are receiving from the community at this challenging time.

“The supermarkets are settling down now but at the beginning of the pandemic the panic buying meant people struggled to get basic provisions.

"We see ourselves as the A&E of foodbanks as we accept ‘Anything and Everything’.

“This crisis has really united this kingdom and brought out the very best in people.

"We have received donations from supermarkets, cafes and businesses and are now able to share these contributions with other local foodbanks.

“Everyone, including the college, is just so full of compassion, which is amazing, and we are going to need this spirit long after the health crisis is over."