WORCESTER Foodbank is challenging people of all ages to share their experiences of living life on the breadline.

As part of a new fund-raising campaign called In Their Shoes, the charity is inviting individuals and families to try and survive on one of the three-day food parcels that provide a lifeline to more than 5,000 hungry foodbank clients in Worcester every year.

Supporters who take on the challenge in the run-up to Easter are being asked to share their experiences on social media, and make a donation of food or cash to the charity.

It’s hoped the campaign will help those taking part to gain a better understanding of the plight facing a growing number of people that are being forced to turn to the Lowesmoor warehouse for emergency food.

In the past year the charity has seen demand for food increase by 35 per cent, with delays in receiving benefits, low incomes, debt and homelessness fuelling the rise in referrals.

Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank Manager, said: “None of us should have to experience the misery of food poverty but the reality is many of us are only one pay packet away from crisis.”

“We really hope our challenge will help people to understand the struggles our clients face and why turning to a foodbank for help is never an easy choice.”

The campaign is being launched at the start of Lent, a period of fasting when many Christians will give up certain foods for the 40 days leading up to Easter.

Supporters are being asked to take part in the challenge on three successive days of their choice during Lent and use the hashtag #InTheirShoes to share their experiences on social media.

All the materials, including a campaign guide, food parcel shopping lists and menu suggestions, can be downloaded at www.worcester.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/in-their-shoes/