CALLINGTON Foodbank is reporting its lowest ever food stock after a very busy month and is appealing for donations.

The amount of food given out has been twice as much as the quantity donated in August with families feeling the pressure through the summer holiday period.

Churches Together in Callington, which runs the foodbank, is hoping people will donate tins and other foodstuff at a collection at Tesco in the town on Saturday, September 8.

Pastor of the Mustard Seed Church David Jewell said since the foodbank opened last October, 369 adults and 248 children had been fed, proving how much the service was needed in the area.

'We seem to be having a really busy time at the moment,' he said. 'Last month we received half a ton of food and the same amount went out but this month have given out a ton with only half a ton coming in.

'We are down to 1.2 tonnes of food which is our lowest stock ever so we hope we can boost that with the Tesco collection, the last of which we had almost a year ago.'

Collection boxes are also in the library, the children's centre, local churches and other venues where people can drop in items.

Callington and District Foodbank is part of the Christian charity the Trussell Trust, which works together with churches and communities to give three days of emergency food to individuals or families in crisis.

Doctors, midwives, health visitors, clergy members and other professionals refer clients to the foodbank, using a voucher system.

Mr Jewell said there was a new drive to reach out to elderly people in need as sometimes they slipped through the net.

'One regular way we have of identifying those in need is when health visitors visit someone with a new baby and see that they are struggling. With elderly people they do not always have regular contact and don't like asking for help or thinking they are a hindrance.

'We are encouraging Age Concern members who come to church to talk to their neighbours and ask them to get in touch with us as a more direct way of helping them.'

The foodbank which is situated behind the Mustard Seed Church is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 2pm and 4pm and items can be dropped in then. They include tins of soup, baked beans, rice pudding and other tinned puddings, packets of cereals and biscuits and other long life items.

Volunteers are also being sought to man the foodbank. For more information contact David Jewell on 01579 389576.