In reply to Bill long’s letter of January 2, I want to make it clear that anyone in need can receive food from the Loughton Food Bank provided they have shown they have a need. There is no age discrimination so people young and old can get help.

The Food Bank is there to temporarily help people, but they have to be assessed first by a care professional from an organisation such as the CAB or Family Mosaic, who will decide if the person is in a crisis situation and needs a food voucher.

There are many reasons why people can not manage and the care professional will look at their circumstances. Sometimes a person just needs help to organise their finances, but the whole idea of food banks is not only to give vital immediate assistance, but to help the person manage in the future.

Receiving food from food banks is not meant to be a way of life, it is tragic that we need them, but they give vital support for a short period at a difficult time.

Cllr Jennie Hart, district councillor, Loughton (Debden) Broadway