THE co-ordinator of the town centre food bank has warned people are relying on it more than ever and revealed it's distributed more than 1,400 parcels to those in need.
Janet Crownshaw said she could only see the situation getting worse with the introduction of universal credit benefit.
"On average we're feeding about 50 people per week," Janet said.
"We're finding more and more are coming and while we are here to offer help, it's very alarming."
Items such as tinned meat and tomatoes, pasta and baby milk were donated by staff at the Unite Community Centre on Huddersfield Road, which offers one-to-one benefits and welfare support.
People who visit the centre in the NUM offices may have had their benefits stopped or seeking employment and support claims.
Joe Rollin, Unite community co-ordinator, said: "We're getting more people coming to see us and it's a real mix of everything.
"We work with people but it can take weeks to sort things out, so if they're really desperate we can advise a visit to the food bank for emergency relief."
Joe said an average of ten people visit the centre on a weekly basis, but more are seen through drop-in sessions, and it's hoped the opening days will be increased from two.
But he added: "Not everyone living in poverty is unemployed, which is more shocking.
"People are still struggling to make ends meet and might still come and see us even if they're employed."
