The generosity of Stevenage shoppers has helped a food bank to feed lots of people who would otherwise have been hungry this Christmas.

The Comet: Waitrose is coming to Royston.Waitrose is coming to Royston. (Image: Archant)

The Stevenage Community Food Bank received 11 trollies loaded with food, equivalent to 46 crates of non-perishable items, when it held a collection at the Waitrose store in the High Street on Saturday.

Councillors John Mead, Rob Broom and Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor were all at the store to encourage people to give generously.

Shoppers gave in their droves and the day was a great success, according to the store’s community matters employee Karen Brown.

She said: “It was fantastic because it was so well supported. The customers were really generous with their donations.

The Comet: Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor dropped in to show support.Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor dropped in to show support. (Image: Archant)

“A lot of them handed in items you can use in making Christmas meals which are slightly different to what food banks normally provide but it will allow a lot more people to enjoy a nice meal over Christmas.”

Food bank chairman Mr Mead said: “Volunteers were quite overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and kindness of Waitrose customers to donate food for families suffering from food poverty.”

If you need food bank support call the Stevenage Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 111 444.

The Comet: Members of the foodbank and Karen Brown from the store.Members of the foodbank and Karen Brown from the store. (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage Foodbank collection at Waitrose, December 2014Stevenage Foodbank collection at Waitrose, December 2014 (Image: Archant)