Cornwall foodbank to deliver 3,000 Christmas food box meals for struggling families
The team at Camborne, Pool and Redruth say demand was so high, they had to close the list
One of Cornwall's biggest foodbanks is delivering just under 3,000 meals to families in need this Christmas.
Almost 400 boxes are going out across the Camborne Pool and Redruth area over the next 12 hours, as well as presents for children.
Those receiving the food parcels are allocated the support by organisations like the council's children and families team.
However Transformation CPR says demand this year has been so high, they had to close the list.
On Wednesday alone, they gave out 1,600 meals separate to the Christmas packages.
"There's always somebody who's in real trouble"
Director of Operations Don Gardner says it is frightening: "We'll be delivering just under 3,000 meals in 374 boxes. It's a military operation. We're using Camborne school halls this year because the churches are not big enough to put the boxes in.
"I said just under 3,000 meals but we actually had to close that list the first week in December because there's more and more people wanting it but, logistically, we just can't do it.
"It just went up and up and up and there's always somebody who is really in trouble and we don't like to leave them out".
Don added that the team are expecting another rise in demand after Christmas, as the bills come in.
He said: "I know some people possibly think that these people could get their own food etc but those people we see - well, all of us are only one pay or two pay cheques away from saying hey, what can I eat, because I haven't got the money".
The Christmas food boxes, being delivered by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday 23rd December, are down to generous donations from local people, for which Don says they are eternally grateful.
You can find out how to support the foodbanks or received support on the Transformation CPR website.