TAVISTOCK residents have been praised for the ‘staggering’ donation of food received by a local charity.

The town’s foodbank — which is part of The Trussell Trust’s UK-wide Foodbank network — is celebrating after receiving a bumper of Christmas season donations.

The charity provides a three day supply of emergency food to those experiencing crises in the PL19/20 areas.

Tavistock Foodbank volunteers collected Christmas donations weighing a staggering 1,300kg at Tesco Tavistock last week.

Using those donations, the Tavistock Foodbank was able to deliver 57 special Christmas parcels to individuals and families in need.

Volunteer co-ordinater Linda Medland said: ‘Thank you to all those who have donated and continue to donate throughout the year. The food is greatly appreciated by people in need in the Tavistock area.’

The Trussell Trust aims to end poverty and hunger in the UK through the provision of practical help to those in need.

The charity have said that every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.

A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

Caroline Mitchell, project manager and chairman of the Tavistock Foodbank, said: ‘There has been a significant increase in demand for the food bank in the past few weeks and the extra resources donated will go a significant way towards meeting that need.’

Tavistock Foodbank is open every Friday from 10am to 2pm, including every Friday over Christmas and New Year. Telephone 07941 436149 for further information or visit the foodbank in the basement of the United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock, PL19 8BD.

Readers wishing to receive a food parcel should request a food voucher from one of the following Tavistock referring agencies and then take it to the foodbank at the United Reformed Church; Citizen’s Advice Bureau, DATA (Debt Advice Tavistock), Devon Drug Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Salvation Army, Tavistock Area Children’s Centre, Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS), West Devon Borough Council Housing, West Devon Mental Health Team, Tavistock Community Primary School, Devon and Cornwall Care Services, Devon Domestic Abuse Services, Devon and Cornwall Housing.

The voucher can then be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.