More than 400 families rely on a community food club in Gorleston to help with their weekly grocery shop.

The Shrublands Community Foodclub, based in the car park of the Youth and Adult Centre on Magdalen Way, has seen a steady increase in the number of families joining the initiative which provides good quality food at affordable prices.

Manager Julie Woods said the club’s move to a designated cabin on the grounds of the community has helped with the demand.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A customer inside Shrublands Community Foodclub. Picture - James WeedsA customer inside Shrublands Community Foodclub. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

“We’ve been quite busy,” she said.

“When we open, there’s usually a queue from one end of the shop to the other. But things have been a lot easier since we expanded and added a larger range.”

With a force of 17 helpers, the community foodclub provides household items to more than 400 families. A rise from around 245 last November.

“The biggest thing for us is the Thursday night and the Saturday morning openings,” Mrs Woods said.

“Most people around here are struggling, even with a working wage. If people had the disposable income, I think they would go to supermarkets where the ranges are huge.

“The fact people are still coming here proves the need is still high.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Bread (which is just passed its best-before date) is free for members of Shrublands Community Foodclub. Picture - James WeedsBread (which is just passed its best-before date) is free for members of Shrublands Community Foodclub. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Shrublands Community Foodclub operates on a ‘points not pounds’ system, where members use a top-up card to manage their budgets better.

Volunteer Margaret Brackley said the not-for-profit food club is the first port of call for a lot of people.

“The shop is reaching out to a lot of people,” Mrs Brackley said.

“And I think it’s making a big difference to a lot of people from all different backgrounds.

“People will often come to the shop just for some advice, and being based at the Youth and Adult Centre, we are able to point them in the right direction of who to talk to.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury: PEOPLE PERSON: Volunteer Margaret Brackley said Shrublands Community Foodclub is making a difference in Gorleston. Picture - James WeedsPEOPLE PERSON: Volunteer Margaret Brackley said Shrublands Community Foodclub is making a difference in Gorleston. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Shrublands Community Foodclub is open from 10am to 12pm on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am until 1pm on Tuesdays, and from 5.30pm until 7.30pm on Thursdays.

For more information, visit Shrublands Community Foodclub on Facebook.