The Salvation Army's preparing for a hard winter ahead

The charity says on top of its usual clients, more families hard hit by the rising cost of living are reaching out for help.

Inflation's at a 30 year high of 6.9 percent according to the Consumer Price Index for the year to March.

Social policy advisor Ronji Tainelu says people are struggling to fuel their cars and afford their groceries.

He says they've had to increase the number of staff working their food banks due to the sheer demand, and would be grateful for support or donations.