Cornish foodbanks call for help as they face 'unprecedented demand'

Many fear things will get worse in the run-up to Christmas

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 26th Nov 2020

Foodbanks across Cornwall are putting out a plea to the public as they face unprecedented demand in the run-up to Christmas.

The general picture across the county is that demand is increasing among both adults and children and new people who have never previously accessed foodbank support are coming forward all the time.

The foodbanks are now gearing up to help families and individuals who are most in need at Christmas.

Each is taking a different approach, according to local demand and availability, and asking for donations of specific food items and money and, in some cases, children’s Christmas presents.

Their work has become more complicated because of the need to make services Covid-secure and in many cases to arrange delivery to people who are particularly vulnerable or shielding.

Now Cornwall’s churches and foodbanks have joined forces to ask individuals to actively find out what they can do to help in their local area.

The Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, who is also chair of Churches Together in Cornwall, said: “Sadly, foodbanks are a lifeline for thousands of people in Cornwall.

“My colleagues in Churches Together in Cornwall and I are profoundly grateful to all those people who help, support and volunteer in foodbanks, because they are genuinely helping some of those individuals who are at most need, and at a time of crisis for them.

“The outlook this year is particularly stark, as we near Christmas and now also have to take into account the strict measures that are in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.

“Most of our foodbanks operate slightly differently from one another, and are planning tailored responses to help people as best they can for Christmas.

“Some foodbanks are putting together special Christmas food parcels, others are helping out with presents for children, some would like specific donations, while others still are requesting financial help.

“So we are urging anybody who would like to help to please find out what their local foodbank is asking for, and to offer what they can.”

Bishop of Truro, Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen

Between April and September this year, Trussell Trust food banks in Cornwall provided 8961 emergency food parcels to people in crisis. 36% percent of those went to children. Whilst this represents a significant number of people forced to turn to a food bank for support, we also know that that this is likely to only be the tip of the iceberg as many people will have been helped by other food banks and community groups.

“Volunteer groups work tirelessly across Cornwall, to distribute food generously donated by their communities to ensure that no one goes hungry. Their resolve and passion is extraordinary.

“Food banks will always work to provide vital support to local people while their help is needed, but ultimately, we should all have enough money for the basics."

Emma Greenwood, the Trussell Trust’s area manager for the South West

The faith-based social action organisation, Transformation Cornwall, keeps an updated list of each of the foodbanks. This lists not only information about how people can access help, but also what assistance is needed.

You can find the list here.

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