An Ipswich foodbank has reached a major fundraising goal allowing them to move to a larger premises as their demand continues to soar.

Ipswich Star: More than 5,000 food parcels are distributed around Suffolk by FIND every year. Picture: GENESIS PRMore than 5,000 food parcels are distributed around Suffolk by FIND every year. Picture: GENESIS PR (Image: Archant)

Families in Need (FIND) has offered a lifeline to people experiencing poverty in the Ipswich area for 30 years - but now needs a new premises, as more residents are using their services.

The organisation is aiming to raise £100,000 in their FIND 50 campaign but has already reached £34,000 - a milestone that allows them to move to a larger building.

Maureen Reynel MBE, founder and chairman of FIND, said: “I’m hoping that more individual fundraisers, companies and schools will feel inspired to fundraise for the FIND 50 campaign and support FIND’s services, so we can continue to fulfil the growing need for food and basic household living items where families and individuals have none.”

In 2017, more than 2,600 adults were helped by FIND with 3,960 food parcels delivered.

As of October 16 this year, they had seen 2,558 people, distributing approximately 3,500 parcels.

Going into the busiest time of the year, that number is expecting to surpass the previous year by some way.

Around 50% of those people have been fed more than once - but FIND also sees new people coming through their doors needing help every day.

Director of Genesis PR, Penny Arbuthnot, who completed two half marathons in September in aid of FIND 50, said: “It’s tremendous that over £34,000 of the £100,000 target has been raised so far and that the FIND 50 campaign has built such great momentum.

“In recent weeks Ipswich School and the Friends of Ipswich School have raised nearly £5,000 and Ipswich Building Society over £2,000.

“A donation of £4,000 has also been made by the family of Peter Grimer, a FIND volunteer who died recently aged 90.”

The location of FIND’s new headquarters has been identified and planning permission was granted by Ipswich Borough Council at the beginning of 2018.

Mrs Arbuthnot added: “The pro bono work carried out by PR company Genesis to support the FIND 50 campaign since the launch has included a new website, film, PR and a newsletter, as well as our own fundraising.

“We hope that this time in 2019 FIND will be settled in its new home in Ipswich.”