LISKEARD Foodbank is facing a sharp rise in demand, with almost 28 per cent more families and individuals turning to the charity for help, as it prepares to move into new premises to protect its future.

The foodbank supported 1,196 people between August and October this year, compared with 937 during the same period in 2025 – an increase of 259.

Against that backdrop, the charity has confirmed it is relocating to 11b Miller Business Park, off Station Road, after securing cheaper accommodation to reduce overheads and put more money towards buying food for people in crisis.

Assistant manager and head of volunteering Cathy Lake said the move had become essential as rising costs and falling donations put increasing pressure on the service.

“We had to make this decision as the cost of rent for the warehouse and Dean Street was absorbing the money that we could have used to buy food due to a drop in donations,” she said.

The new base is near Geoffrey Harris Tyres, behind Glyn Valley Chef Wear. The warehouse move is due to take place during the week beginning November 2, with help from ratings from HMS Raleigh. Volunteers will be kept fuelled with pasties donated by Scott Weller of Original Cornish Pasties, also based on the estate.

The foodbank hopes to begin face-to-face support from its new premises on January 4, 2027.

The former agricultural machinery warehouse will need further work, with the warehouse and front-of-house teams operating from separate buildings across the yard.

Ms Lake said donations had fallen sharply, largely because of the cost-of-living crisis and a reduction in contributions from people who previously received the Winter Fuel Payment.

“There has been a swift decline in donations that have come into the foodbank,” she said.

The latest figures underline the scale of the challenge, with the charity continuing to support hundreds more people despite having less money coming in.

“Unfortunately, the figures are not decreasing, but we have continued to support as many local people as possible who are in a crisis situation,” Ms Lake said.

The relocation has been made possible through support from Liskeard Town Council and local residents.

The council donated £900 towards renovations, including a disabled-access toilet and front-of-house office. The work cost £1,298, with the remaining £398 secured through a donation from Cllr Kevin Grey's Community Chest, while Cllr Jane Pascoe donated £150 towards emergency food

Ms Lake said: “Without ongoing support this move would not have been possible.”

Builder Jack Hart was also praised for completing the renovations quickly and efficiently.

Despite the overall fall in donations, recent Harvest Festival collections from individuals and community groups had been particularly generous.

She thanked St Martin's Church in Liskeard, St James' Church in Torpoint, Millbrook All Saints Church, Grace Community Church in Looe, St Cleer Junior School and Dobwalls Primary School.

Cornwall Dairy supplies fresh milk weekly, while Ginsters donates baked goods fortnightly.

Ms Lake also praised the volunteers who continue to support the charity “come rain or shine”.