LISKEARD Town Council has stepped in to support one of the town’s vital community organisations, awarding £900 to help the foodbank prepare for a move to new premises.

Councillors agreed the grant at their latest full council meeting, recognising the important role Liskeard & Looe Foodbank plays in supporting people across the town during increasingly difficult times.

The foodbank had applied for £1,228 towards the £1,840 cost of physical changes needed at its new property, including the creation of a welcome area and modifications to a toilet.

The requested sum represented 75 per cent of the project cost.

Assistant manager Cathy Lake told councillors she understood that council funds were limited but asked them to support the application.

Councillors then discussed the contribution the foodbank makes to the local community before agreeing to provide a grant of £900.

Ms Lake also explained that the organisation faces additional financial pressures because, unlike some other foodbanks, it has to pay rent for its premises.

The foodbank hopes to move into the new property in the New Year, with the aim of creating a one-stop shop where people can access food and other support in one location.

The council’s contribution comes at a challenging time for the organisation, with rising demand for its services being accompanied by a fall in donations.

Just last month, the Cornish Times recently highlighted how the foodbank’s supplies have fallen from between six and eight months’ worth of food to around three months.

Volunteer Alan Hartridge described the situation as a “perfect storm”, with more people needing help while fewer donations are coming through the door.

Figures provided by the foodbank show demand has risen significantly, with the number of people needing assistance increasing from 2,869 in 2020 to 4,676 last year.

Despite the pressures, the organisation continues to provide support for people experiencing temporary periods of crisis.

Ms Lake said the foodbank’s work was about giving people dignity and helping them through difficult circumstances before directing them towards other sources of support.

The organisation also provides access to advice on issues including money problems and employment, working with other local groups to help people tackle wider challenges.

The foodbank recently welcomed South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd, who visited the premises to hear about the pressures facing the organisation and the growing need for its services.

She said: “Foodbanks shouldn’t be necessary, but too many people across South East Cornwall are relying on them for everyday essentials. Years of underinvestment, the impact of Covid, and rising living costs have left families facing impossible choices. We need to make sure people have the security to afford the basics without needing to turn to a foodbank.

“That’s why I’m so grateful to the team at Liskeard and Looe Foodbank and the volunteers that support them. Their work is vital, supporting people through some of the toughest moments.”

The £900 council grant will now help assist the foodbank make the changes needed at its new premises as it prepares for the next stage of its work in the Liskeard community.