A new foodbank has opened in Edmonton to help households unable to pay for meals.

Edmonton Foodbank, based in Brettenham Road, is being run as part of the Trussell Trust network and is an extension of the foodbank based in Church Street.

It is staffed by volunteers and relies on donations from individuals, as well as local supermarkets and schools.

Enfield Borough Council, who contributed £24,500 towards the project, say that emergency assistance is needed to help people lift themselves out of poverty.

Council leader Councillor Doug Taylor said: “It is completely unacceptable that families in London are going to bed hungry and we all have a moral obligation to help those worse off than ourselves.”

Edmonton MP Andy Love also welcomed the launch. He said: “It is great news for people living locally who are struggling to feed themselves that a foodbank has opened right on their doorsteps.”

He added: “Research by the Trussell Trust shows that a lot of people are turning to food banks because of delays with the benefits system. These need to be ironed out urgently.”