A new foodbank service to help feed the homeless is being started in Ipswich, and will be serving hot and cold food in its first event next week.

Paula Longstaff has set up the service after getting to know some of the people that live on the streets in Ipswich.

Starting on Monday, February 27, people can go and get freshly made hot food, including chilli con carne, curry and pasta bolognese.

It will be run by Ms Longstaff and her family, who will be handing out food and drink to people on the streets.

Ipswich Star: Paula with her family, Katie and Joshua Higgins, and Rhea Newman. Credit: Paula Longstaff.Paula with her family, Katie and Joshua Higgins, and Rhea Newman. Credit: Paula Longstaff. (Image: Paula Longstaff)

Ms Longstaff said: "I know quite a few of the guys on the streets in our town.

"Whenever I go past, so many people walk straight past and I always sit down and have a chat with them about how they are doing.

"Too many of them go hungry, which isn't right."

As Ms Longstaff knows where a lot of them regularly sit, they are going to be floating around and handing out the food to people they see.

She continued: "If anyone has any food that they would like to donate that would be amazing.

"At the moment, I'm paying for all the food out of my own pocket.

Ipswich Star: Some of the foods provided. Credit: Paula Longstaff.Some of the foods provided. Credit: Paula Longstaff. (Image: Paula Longstaff)

"My sister has paid for the container boxes and sandwich envelope sleeves, which have taken care of the more expensive packaging."

Along with the hot food, Ms Longstaff and her family, of which there will be around five involved, will be making muffins, biscuits and sandwiches.

"We are going to try and see how much food we can get together so that we can give more to people in Ipswich," Ms Longstaff added.

A Facebook page has been created, along with the hashtag #nohungrybellies to try and attract more donations.