WORCESTER’S first food bank opened to the city’s hungry for the first time and gave away its first parcel of goods.

The food bank, in Carden Close, Carden Street, off City Walls Road, had just one visitor on its opening day, but those behind the venture said it was overwhelming to see their plans come to life.

Ann-Marie Ison, who decided to set up the venture as an expression of her faith about two years ago, said: “One young man who hasn’t had anywhere to stay came in for some food.

"He was overwhelmed with the food and it was something he has needed for a while.

“It felt amazing and overwhelming to see it come together.”

The food bank, which will be open between 11am and 2pm every Monday and Thursday, will serve people who have been given vouchers by agencies including GPs.

Each person is entitled to three vouchers and one voucher provides three days’ worth of food.

After an initial struggle to collect enough food, they opened with about 1.5 tonnes of goods in store.

But they were hoping to see about three tonnes of food in stock before the official opening and will be continuing the collection drive with a collection at Asda in Worcester on Wednesday, June 27.

Worcester churchgoer Linda Smith, who is one of the 20 volunteers, said giving to these people was close to her heart.

She said: “It is like Bishop John said, it is about love and them realising people care.”

Bishop of Worcester John Inge officially opened the food bank at 10am yesterday alongside Worcester Mayor Coun Roger Berry.

He said: “It is a hugely encouraging and worth while project.

“Things are pretty bleak economically but this is a bright light.

“It is an example of the church doing what it ought to be doing in the community.”

To donate food to the bank, call 01905 734625 or email foodbank@allsaintsworcester.org.uk

A team will also be collecting in Asda in Worcester on Wednesday, June 27.