TAVISTOCK Foodbank continues to meet big demand for people who are finding it diffcult to meet the growing cost of feeding their families.

Volunteers at the site had a spike in families coming forward during the school holidays when they had hungry energetic children at home all day.

The foodbank, organised by Christian charity the Trussell Trust, also plays an added valuable role by supporting clients who have varying needs. People are referred to the food bank from other agencies and charities and those organisations will help with mental health, housing and other issues if required.

Those who attend in person at the United Reformed Church (URC) cafe can claim some food and also see a Citizens Advice advisor if they need to — a recent additional service.

Linda Medland, foodbank volunteer co-ordinator and former dental nurse, said: ‘We’ve noticed an upsurge in recent weeks, which might be sign of the future as the cost of living increases and energy costs go up in October.

‘We continue playing a valuable role in the community and people are referred to us by agencies and other groups and they help them with their specific needs which is often not just one being unable to afford to eat.

‘Anyone in food need could be given a foodbank voucher by another agency, which is required by us to be eligible for our food parcels. They might have been helped by another agency with drug and alcohol dependency, or housing or debt or anything. Or they might feel the need to get advice when they come to us direct.

‘When they come to us we don’t just give them food and say farewell, we offer to support them in other ways and can signpost them to other sources of help. We’ve recently had a Citizens Advice advisor assigned to us who we can suggest people might want to talk to. We’ve seen a lot of requests for help from the advisor.’

Linda, a Christian, said: ‘I do this work because I want to help people. We have a chaplain helping us and meet before each food bank session to pray for our clients.

‘It can be really sad listening to people’s stories and wondering how they cope. but it can be really satisfying helping them. We listen to our clients and they really appeciate that simple thing. Most often, after chatting and having a food parcel and may be a free drink and food from the church cafe, they go away happier than when they arrived.’

She said people come from all backgrounds and situations: ‘It might be that they are just managing to get by and have a job, then a big bill comes in or they lose their job and they need us.’

Rob Weston, URC minister, said: ‘We are pleased to be supporting the Trussell Trust and other providers to meet the demand caused by the concern over the cost of living.’