A Bromley school has launched its own food bank to support families experiencing hardship during the pandemic.

Staff at Ravensbourne School, a mixed secondary, decided to take the initiative three weeks ago, as they saw families unable to afford basic foods and essential household products.

The team partnered with Sainsbury’s, Tesco and West Kent Freemasons, establishing TRS Foodbank, which has already helped support more than a dozen families.

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Headteacher Mr Mark O’Shaughnessy said: “We have been humbled by donations from both local businesses including Bromley Football Club and generous members of the public.

“We are particularly grateful to the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Kent for donating £2000.00. Additionally, we have been approached by local companies who wish to support our families during these challenging times.

“We are proud that our families have reached out to seek help from us and we hope that our efforts will go some way to alleviate hunger and distress.

“To date, over two dozen families are being supported and we hope many more will come forward in the coming weeks.

“On a personal note, I am immensely proud of the way the school community has come together during this time.

“People matter most, and it is important to take care of each other and ourselves.”

Foodbank usage has soared across south east London since the beginning of the pandemic last year.

According to the Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest food poverty charity, 100,000 people used food banks for the first time between April and June.

While the amount of people claiming benefits in London has doubled to around half a million.

TRS Foodbank is inviting donations of non-perishable products from Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm.

There are storage units inside the doors of the main reception on Hayes Lane.