A FOOD hub has been launched in Purley to tackle "rising poverty" in the community.
The scheme, run by Purley and Kenley Churches Together, comes in reaction to changes to the terms on which people receive benefits and a stubbornly drawn-out recession.
People in crisis will be identified by community agencies, which will issue those in need with tickets, that can then be exchanged for a three-day supply of tinned and other non-perishable food from those involved in the scheme.
The Reverend Pam Bryan, of Purley Baptist Church, said: "Our aim in launching the food hub is to provide food for people in crisis. Sadly, the continuing recession and the benefit changes mean that levels of food poverty in our community are rising.
"Our hub will be open to everyone, whatever their background or beliefs. The majority of our volunteers are Christians from the churches in Purley and Kenley but we are delighted that members of the community who do not attend our churches want to partner with us."
The Bishop of Croydon, the Right Reverend Jonathan Clark, launched the scheme with local councillors and businesses earlier this month.
Those who might want to use the scheme can find out more by e-mailing purleyfoodhub@gmail.com