WITH the pandemic driving unemployment up and making everyday life more challenging for some, more people than ever in Dorset are relying on food aid. If you are in a position to help and want to support your local food bank this Christmas, there are a variety of ways to help. Donating food is a great place to start. Volunteer at Hope For Food, Kathy Moore said: Food donations must be non-perishables, such as sweet and savoury biscuits, various tinned items including fruit, vegetables and meat, jam, baked beans, rice pudding, custard, jellies, and sweets. However, poverty isn’t just for Christmas. We support 120 to 130 families every week, but when Christmas is over people think that their job is done and nothing else needs to be donated. January and February can be tough months as donations decrease.