Anyone can end up needing a food bank. Marriage breakdown, illness, redundancy, domestic abuse, being scammed, homelessness and debt are just some of the reasons that bring people to the doors of Abingdon Foodbank.

The first thing we offer you is not food: it's a warm welcome and a hot drink. Then we put together a parcel of food and other basics to keep you going for the next few days, allowing for the size of your household, cooking facilities and dietary needs.

We sit and listen to your story and try to point you to other organisations who can help - with benefits, debt, heating, housing and so on.

Chris had had his benefits stopped and had no income coming in. We provided regular food parcels until the benefits started again.

Sam was made redundant, with very little notice or redundancy pay. A single visit to the Foodbank was enough, giving her food to tide her over until universal credit started. We also talked with her about how to get the benefits she needed.

James arrived in Abingdon homeless and knowing no one. We gave him food, a free Sim card, warm clothes and a sleeping bag.