An urgent campaign has been launched to fill food banks across Greater Manchester.

Charities warn that as the summer holidays start and school terms end, many vulnerable families will face crisis and hunger.

The appeal comes as one food bank reveals recent demand for emergency supplies has been so high it’s been forced to turn people away because there isn’t enough food.

The M.E.N. is backing Manchester radio station Hits Radio’s vital appeal to combat child hunger during the holidays.

New figures reveal three million children across the UK are at risk of suffering ‘significant hunger’ during the break, with 231,700 in the north west said to be living in poverty. Businesses, households and schools are being urged to do their bit and donate, with several companies already on board pledging their support.

Items desperately needed include cereal, soup, pasta, rice and tinned goods.

The Manchester South Central Food Bank is based in Hulme. Bosses there handed out 1,516 three-day emergency food supplies to people last year.

Michelle McHale, from the food bank, said: “What we are finding is that the amount of food that we have in stock isn’t meeting the demands. The last couple of weeks for example we have had to turn people away because we simply haven’t got enough food.

“It’s heart-wrenching and soul-destroying. We are here volunteering to help people in crisis. For someone to come through the door and build up the courage to access the foodbank and us not have enough food to be able to give them, or no food at all and have to signpost other food banks, it’s just soul-destroying.

“This appeal will go a long way to making a difference.”

The radio station, formerly Key 103, said it’s estimated that over the six-week summer holiday period a young person can lose up to half a stone if their parents can’t afford to feed them, with the loss of school meals meaning families have to find an extra £30 to £40 a week per child.

Breakfast show presenter Gethin Jones said: “We don’t think any family should go without food over the summer period so we’re appealing to the people of Manchester to come together to fill the food banks.”

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Those on free school meals cannot access that food so families are under pressure at this time. I know what Greater Manchester will do. If we make this call, Greater Manchester will respond. We should be able to put food in every belly and a roof over every head.”

Donations can be dropped off at the station’s Castle Quay headquarters in Manchester, postcode M15 4PR. Any organisation with more than 100 people can register for items to be collected. For details visit www.planetradio.co.uk/hits-radio .