Cornish foodbank having to buy supplies because people can't afford to donate
Transformation CPR says it is handing out around 12,000 meals a month
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
One of Cornwall's biggest foodbanks says on average, it is giving out around 12,000 meals per month.
That works out to around 400 per day at the centre for Camborne, Pool and Redruth.
We spoke to Transformation CPR, about a report warning disposable incomes will drop 10% this year and next.
Spokesman Don Gardner says the cost of living crisis is hitting hard, they are having to buy supplies because people cannot afford to donate.
He added that he believes politicians are too focussed on the Conservative leadership battle rather than the real issue facing families - the cost of living crisis.
Don said: "We have started to have buy food at the moment for the foodbank because people can't afford to donate to us. So we are being hit by extra people coming in and we're having to buy food - for which prices are going up.
He told us they are averaging somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 meals per month - and says that despite the additional help for families whose children receive free school meals, the school holidays have not helped.
Don said: "Six weeks on holiday - what do you do with the children? You can't afford to go to entertainments because those prices are up. You can't afford to drive around for too long because the fuel prices are up".
After being asked what the new Prime Minister's priorities should be, Don told us there is too much uncertainty for struggling families.
He said: "To me, they're looking inward and they're actually not looking outward. For families who are seeing this infighting on TV, they're thinking 'how is this going to affect me? How is this really going to affect me'."
You can read more about the foodbank's work and how to donate on the Transformation CPR website.