Liskeard and Looe Foodbank is encouraging people to support its Christmas appeal and help make the festive season a little easier for families and individuals in financial crisis.

New manager at the Foodbank Anne Lillie says that the team helped 80 people last week, more than half of whom were children, and that the demand is increasing daily.

Low income is the most common problem for people referred to use the Foodbank’s services: money just isn’t stretching far enough to cover household bills and groceries, says Anne, and it’s increasingly working families that are struggling.

“The rise in the cost of living and high utility bills is putting massive pressure on people, and they’re turning to the Foodbank for support.

“We are running a Christmas campaign so that we can provide the additional food that they’ll need.”

The Foodbank team will be at the Morrison’s supermarket in Liskeard tomorrow (Saturday 27 November) and will be collecting donations of both food items and money. The cash will help provide supplementary items for Christmas boxes such as fresh fruit and vegetables and meat.

Anyone that can’t get along to Morrison’s tomorrow and who’d like to donate can visit the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank Facebook page or website to support a Crowdfunding campaign.

There are also drop-off points at the Co-op, Poundland and Cheery Buys in Liskeard, at Sainsburys and the Co-op in Torpoint, and at the Co-op in Looe.

It’s always a good idea to check the website if you’re thinking of adding some donations to your shopping trolley, as there is a regularly updated list of items currently low in stock.

The Liskeard and Looe Foodbank covers a wide swathe of the East of the county from Bolventor to Torpoint and across to Polruan. A dedicated team of delivery drivers are out daily, making sure that people get the food parcel they so desparately need as soon as possible.

“For more and more people it’s got to that stage where people are asking themelves the question, do they heat their property or feed their family,” said Anne.

“We’ve had mums recently going without food so that their children can eat.

“December is one of the Foodbank’s busiest months. We know it is tough for everyone at the moment. We are hoping the community will support our work – so that we can support others.”

Christmas Appeal items for the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank:

Chocolate coins

Christmas biscuits

Stuffing

Cranberry sauce

Christmas cake

Tinned ham

Nuts / crisps

Christmas pudding

Fruit juice

Instant gravy