AN emergency foodbank network that has helped hundreds of vulnerable people over the past three years is opening a new distribution point.

The King’s Church Foodstore Network, based at Whessoe Road, in Darlington, is opening its fourth distribution point at St Andrew’s Church, in Haughton Green.

The network – an initiative by the Darlington Churches Together group – began in 2012 and gave out 500 emergency food parcels last month, with the average customer visiting the food store six times.

The new distribution point will be open every Wednesday from July 5, from 9.15am to 10.15am, and means people in Darlington will have access to emergency food six days a week.

Lisa Marsh, general manager of the Darlington FoodStore Network said: “As an organisation it has always been our aim to provide the best coverage for those in the town most in need.

“We have many clients who may be old, infirm or mums with toddlers and we want to make sure our network is accessible to all in the town.”

The network works in conjunction with Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK Darlington, Darlington Borough Council, the Bridge2Home scheme and Darlington Credit Union and is the inspiration for the national FoodStore Network.

The project, funded by the Cinnamon Network and Christian charity Tearfund, aims to provide independent church-based foodbanks with a stronger voice and better support for those in need.

It also helps others to start up their own foodbanks across the country.

The King’s Church food store is usually open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from1pm to 3pm.

For more information call 01325-489664, visit foodstorenetwork.org or email foodstore@kingschurchdarlington.org