"People in Richmond are compassionate," Vineyard Community Centre chief executive Mark Palframan said. And the foodbank based there is converting that compassion into food for hundreds of people in need every week.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Vineyard had to close two of its vital money-making concerns, the café and charity shop, leading to a £60,000 drop in income.

"At the same time, the demand for food parcels increased dramatically, at least by four times," said Mark.

The gap was filled by the generosity of Richmond folk. "It really helps people and it has strong support from the wider community, especially now," he said of the backing the foodbank receives.

"It's been brilliant, absolutely brilliant – lots of donations. Lots of money and food and general goodwill."

Regular folks' struggles

Mark, who joined Vineyard in October, from a background managing homeless projects in London, said he has seen a change in the people Richmond Foodbank helps: "It used to be mainly people who had problems with their benefits.

"Now it's folks who have never had to use the benefits system, who have found themselves without income and plunged into an unfamiliar situation and they're struggling."

A human cost of covid

Richmond Foodbank logistics coordinator Kevin Westbury illustrates the human cost of this economic uncertainty, when people used to being self-sufficient find they have to rely on a foodbank to feed themselves: "A lady came to the door and she started to explain her situation: that she had lost her job and was waiting for Universal Credit. She started crying and I burst into tears myself."

Anyone in need can get e-vouchers, handed out by GPs and agencies such as Citizens Advice, which entitle them to an emergency food parcel that lasts three days.

Parcels are prepared in the centre but people no longer come to the Vineyard Centre to receive them.

In a major change, food is now distributed by drivers. British Gas lent up to three vans a day during lockdown to help the foodbank cope with the task of getting the emergency parcels to the people who rely on them. Alexanders Removals and Storage provided their expertise too.

Mark describes how the centre has ramped up its operations to cope with the huge additional demand. It is currently holding some 15 tonnes of food, which has to be rotated constantly to save it from going out of date.

"The space that used to be the café is full of food, much of which is donated by supermarkets or groups who support us. We've got two other units and a shed and cabinet out the back, all full."

He adds: "It never used to be like this. You didn't expect it to be happening in England where people are starving or don't have enough money to buy food."

With foodbanks becoming a vital resource across the UK, Kevin highlights the immense relief they bring to desperate individuals and families: "It's essential because people understand there's a resource there. They don't have to be starving, they can get food."

Help at hand from the community

Right across the borough, community groups, individuals and companies have pitched in to help through the crisis, including church groups, Kew Rotary Club and GoodGym.

James Pollock, of GoodGym Richmond, a community running group and charity, said: "We've been able to drum up a regular stream of donations. It's good to know we can make a small difference."

Kew Rotary, meanwhile, raised an incredible £10,975 via its Richmond Foodbank Crisis Appeal on Crowdfunder. The money will support the foodbank across its five locations: Barnes, Hampton, Isleworth, Richmond and Whitton.

"We saw the amazing work the Vineyard does was challenged by increasing demand and no income from their shop or café which had to close," Richard Mason from the group, "and decided on a project to support impacted families during their period of crisis.

"Our usual sources of fundraising are not available during lockdown - so we put our energies into a trial of crowdfunding.

"It has really worked well thanks to the generosity of our community - a huge thanks to everyone who contributed."

Support such as this means the foodbank has been able to go beyond food and deliver other essential items, such as toiletries, to those in need.

And a sweet treat for many lies ahead: after the Osterley Park and House Easter egg hunt was cancelled, the chocolate was given to the foodbank. "We took a huge number of eggs," said Kevin. "A second Easter!"

The foodbank relies on regular donations to meet its overheads and keep the vital operation to feed hungry families going.

To donate, visit the Richmond Foodbank website.

What next for Kew Rotary?

The huge success of the Rotary online fundraiser - the club matched pound-for-pound the first £3,600 raised - has given it a desire for more.

Mr Mason said: "As Rotarians we are people of action - we aim to make things happen globally.

"Our next project will be international - a foodbank for refugees in the largest refugee camp in Europe.

"We hope our community supports this too through our next crowdfunding site."

The Food Foundation research

Richmond Foodbank's experience, seeing a four-fold rise in demand, is consistent with the national picture.

A YouGov survey found the number of adults who are food insecure in Britain had quadrupled after the first three weeks of lockdown.

The survey of 4,343 adults, held across April 7-9, was carried out for The Food Foundation charity.

Adults who are unemployed, have disabilities or children, and black and ethnic minorities were particularly at risk. Self-isolation and a lack of food in shops compounded their risk of food insecurity.

About 16.2% of adults surveyed reported experiences of food insecurity, compared to 7.63% in 2008.