Across the country businesses have been forced to close and many people have stopped working, resigned to their homes due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Many families and businesses will be going through times of hardship and uncertainty, meaning the need for food banks is greater than ever.
Across the Post area, the work going on to supply the most vulnerable with foods and daily essentials has been continuous.
Donations have been made harder due to restrictions in place at supermarkets, and many of the food bank buildings have had to close to the public.
Nevertheless, those in need have still been able to receive their items, due to the hard work and commitment of volunteers.
The Holsworthy Foodbank, sponsored by Christians Together, has said its store cupboards are holding up well during the pandemic.
The food bank is managing to open every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm each week after recruiting some new volunteers, as well as people conforming to the social distancing guidelines.
They have asked people needing to use the food bank to not enter the building, but to knock on the window around the side of the Manor Suite at the Holsworthy Memorial Hall.
Those using the food bank are required to have a voucher, more information on receiving a voucher can be found online or by calling the Citizens Advice Bureau on 03444 111444. Donations can be received at the White Hart Hotel, Holsworthy.
The Camelford centre is under the Wadebridge Foodbank group, who operate 25 food banks in the South West. The Grow Centre is currently running the food bank in Camelford.
In Bude, the food bank has been closed until further notice, but will be operating as a warehouse to distribute food items.
Those eligible for the service are being encouraged to phone for an appointment on 01288 488748 or email [email protected]
Those that are able to support Bude Food Bank with a financial donation during this difficult time can set up a donation at www.budefoodbank.org.uk/donate/
Launceston Food Bank has seen an unprecedented rise in people fed during March. In comparison with the previous month of February they have seen numbers increase by just under 300%.
In just four opening days in April they have already fed 82 people; in April last year for the whole month they fed 163 people.
Yvonne King, manager said: “Our food stocks are relatively good at present due to such kindness and generosity of the local community. Tesco in Launceston have been extremely supportive and are going above and beyond to help us. Our donation box is still available for customers to donate food, they are supplying us with fruit, veg and bread at the end of the day as well as allowing us to purchase food we are running short of.”
Martins Cash & Carry on Pennygilliam, Ginsters, Chris Hume at The Eliot Arms in Tregadillett, Costa at Tesco and Barnacutts Launceston have also supported and helped.
Yvonne added: “Many agencies we work with and rely on to issue vouchers have either closed down or are working from home. We urge anyone in crisis to try and contact their school, social worker, health visitor, church etc., to ask if they can issue a voucher; if this isn’t possible then call us on 01566 779550 or email [email protected]”
Opening times are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 1pm.