A CHARITY that helps tackle food crisis in the Newquay area has launched its Christmas campaign amid a sharp rise in local need.

Newquay Foodbank is calling on residents, community groups, and businesses to come together during December through foodraising or fundraising to help support more than 600 people every week.

The foodbank is encouraging organisations to hold staff collections, donate a percentage of holiday sales, or run festive fundraising events. The charity is also calling on community groups, schools, and individuals to organise food drives, sponsor hampers, or make donations.

Newquay Foodbank believes one in eight people in Newquay are expected to rely on the foodbank this Christmas. The organisation hopes the community can rally behind those facing hardship during the festive season “with demand at an all-time high.”

Zoe Hardacre from Newquay Foodbank said: “Christmas is a time when no one should have to worry about how they will feed their family.

“The reality is that hundreds of people in our town are struggling. Whether you’re able to donate food, organise a collection, or run a fundraiser in your workplace or community group, your support will make a real and immediate difference.

“Every contribution large or small helps ensure that families and individuals across Newquay can experience some relief and dignity this Christmas.”

Newquay Foodbank was founded in 2011 by the community to help those in need back to financial independence.

A spokesperson said: “Our aim is achieved by providing food and other essential items to address the immediate need, then working with a wide variety of agencies to get access to support plans to get people back on their feet.

“The inability to feed yourself or your family is a very real crisis faced by many people across the UK and especially here in Newquay today.

“Whatever your background or employment status, any one of us could be one paycheck away from needing the support of the foodbank.”

To get involved or request fundraising information email: [email protected]