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“A van was supposed to go out tomorrow but there’s nothing to go into the van. They’ve[ the burglars] taken a good month’s worth of food.

“Families are going to get a meagre offering of the basics instead of the normal hamper we give out.”

The organisation, based on the West Howe Industrial Estate, has appealed for urgent donations of non-perishable goods such as tins of food, pasta, cookies, sauces in jars and squash.

Image copyright Hope for food Image caption Thieves stole nearly all the toiletries stored on shelves

Toiletries needed include nappies, toothpaste and shampoo.

Dorset police officers were at the scene investigating the burglary and the vandalism, which includes smashed windows and fridges left open, with ready meals thrown on the floor.

Ms Matthews said: “We merely can’t believe people would do such a cruel thing.”