Users of a city foodbank have joined calls to save the "desperate" service running low on both supplies and donations.

The Silver Road Community Foodbank has reported a drop in public contributions, pushing the facility towards breaking point as demand continues to rise.

"Donations seem to be slowing down as prices continue to rise," said councillor Julie Brociek-Coulton, who helps run the service.

Norwich Evening News: Julie Brociek-Coulton, who helps to run the Silver Road foodbankJulie Brociek-Coulton, who helps to run the Silver Road foodbank (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

READ MORE: 'Not everyone wants help': Rough sleeper reveals reality of life on the streets

"And we're seeing more and more families come in - some with children as young as six months. 

"This means we're spending £800 rather than £400 on supplies from wholesalers, which we can't sustain.

"It's getting pretty desperate and we may have to look at changing our opening times from twice to once a week."

Julie estimates the number of users has risen from around 15 per day to as much as 28 in recent months. 

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

One of those is 53-year-old Maria Hall, who lives on her own in Lavengro Road. 

"I've been using the foodbank for around three to four months," she said.

"I was hesitant at first due to the stigma that is often attached to it. I was too proud.

"But despite the fact I work, the rising prices meant that after my bills I just couldn't afford essentials.

"A friend of mine booked out a meeting at Silver Road for me and when I finally went I was amazed at how welcome everyone made me.

Norwich Evening News: Maria Hall, who uses the Silver Road FoodbankMaria Hall, who uses the Silver Road Foodbank (Image: Jason Madgett)

READ MORE: New vision revealed for 'eyesore' school site - two years after closure

"There was no judgement at all."

Jason Madgett, 51, who also lives on his own in Lavengro Road, started to use the service around six months ago.

"I don't work for health reasons, but I do get benefits to help pay my mortgage," he said. 

"After that I have barely enough for my essentials. 

"And with prices going through the roof that is only getting worse.

"Silver Road has been a lifeline. 

Norwich Evening News: Jason MadgettJason Madgett (Image: Jason Madgett)

"It's not just a place for me to get food, but it's also a community hub that gives me somewhere to meet other people. 

"I was nervous about using at first but everyone was so nice and it is a judgement-free zone."

In order to cope with the surge, Julie has called for more donations and has set up a GoFundMe.

"We're not asking for a lot," she said.

Norwich Evening News: Demand at the foodbank has pushed the service to spend more on products from local wholesalersDemand at the foodbank has pushed the service to spend more on products from local wholesalers (Image: PA)

"Anything you might have laying around that's in date we will have. 

"We know it is a difficult time for people, but we would appreciate whatever anyone who wants to help can afford."