A city foodbank has been left struggling with demand as the cost of living crisis means more and more families are desperate for help.  

Silver Road Community Centre in NR3 runs a foodbank service a couple of times a week. 

Numbers of people who need the service rise week on week with some people even choosing to sit and wait in case anything is left over.  

Norwich Evening News: Each session has 22 slots but there is demand for more Each session has 22 slots but there is demand for more (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

But now volunteers are saying they are overstretched.  

Julie Brociek-Coulton who helps to run the foodbank said: “At the moment we have been trying to feed everyone who waits.  

“But we are now having to try to discourage that as we just don’t have the funds to feed people who do not have appointments.” 

The foodbank currently has 22 appointments per session but they are seeing numbers of more than 30 each time.  

And Christmas Eve saw them serve more than 50 people needing help to eat over the festive period.  

Norwich Evening News: The foodbank has many volunteers but it is in need of more donations The foodbank has many volunteers but it is in need of more donations (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

Julie said: “We have also had issues with people booking appointments and then not showing up so we have had to introduce a three-strike system. 

“We are not government-run - we are all volunteers so we would stress that if you have an appointment you must turn up.” 

To try to sustain themselves the foodbank has also had to turn away people who do not live in NR3.  

People from other areas desperate for help would have been given food in the past but now demand is too high.   

And now they are asking the community to donate what they can so that they can continue to ensure everyone in NR3 has access to food.  

Norwich Evening News: Tins of food are the most needed as hundreds are handed out each week Tins of food are the most needed as hundreds are handed out each week (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

Julie said: “Any tins that people don’t need would be gratefully received, people are also able to donate through a direct debit each month if this works best for them.” 

The foodbank runs at Silver Road Community Centre on Thursdays 10.30am to 12.15pm and on Saturday from 11am to 12.15pm.  

There is also an NR3 community fridge on Saturdays at the same time open to all people living in the NR3 area.