EMERGENCY food banks have been set up in two south Oxfordshire towns as a lifeline for families in crisis.

Church groups in Abingdon and Didcot set up the initiatives to provide food parcels for people struggling to make ends meet, either through problems with benefit payments, illness, redundancy or family issues.

Organisers say the number of people needing help is on the increase, especially as the recession bites.

In March, figures released by the Office for National Statistics showed the number of residents claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance shot up by 85 per cent in south Oxfordshire and by 150 per cent in the Vale of White Horse district between January 2008 and January 2009.

Unemployment remains very low in both areas.

Jenny Corps, a member of Christ Church in Abingdon, who helped set up the town’s food bank, said: “We looked at setting up a food bank about a year ago, but sense that there is a growing need at this time.”

The volunteer-run food banks work by referrals, made by agencies such as doctors, social workers and the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, who have registered with the food bank.

They are given vouchers to pass on to people they think are in need.

All the food is paid for by donations from individuals or local organisations.

Abingdon chamber of commerce joint president Terry Boswell said: “My first thought is of surprise.

“There are needy people around but I have seen no signs of real deprivation in Abingdon.”

Anna Nichols, of Didcot Baptist Church, who set up the Didcot food bank in Broadway, said it was not a solution, but added: “I think it’s trying to help them to see someone cares.”