AN emergency food response Crowdfunder has been launched to raise cash to provide family size veg boxes to those most in need in Falmouth during the Covid-19 crisis over Christmas.

The Covid-19 Emergency Food Boxes- Xmas initiative has been launched by Community Heart, a Falmouth based social, emotional and environmental organisation, following a hugely successful scheme it ran in the spring. Then, the group delivered three tonnes of fresh food to the community's most vulnerable; the elderly, families in food poverty and other vulnerable people in isolation. It was the first of its kind in UK.

The group now hopes to replicate that success and has launched a new Crowdfunder appeal to fund food boxes to be delivered during December and January and is appealing to local people to make donations.

Writing on Facebook, organiser Robin Markland said: "They [the foodboxes] are packed with a well balanced amount of locally sourced fresh fruit and vegetables, ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities; The elderly, those with pre-existing medical conditions, families with young children in food poverty, people who have lost their jobs and those who are self isolating - aren't hungry during these dramatic times which no one knows how long will last for. All we do know is that we must act now.

"Every £20 will sponsor an emergency veg box which will allow vulnerable people to enjoy preparing their own meals in their homes, at the correct portions to their own taste - ensuring that nothing is wasted.

He added: "Every box makes a massive difference... A 90 year old lady said ''Its the nicest thing anyone has every done for me'' and I have seen children literally in tears at their doors when I have delivered the boxes as they are so happy."

"For vulnerable families in isolation the fresh food boxes offer an opportunity to cook healthy meals together and experiment with new types of vegetables and fruits and to their own taste and portion size.

"Crucially, food to the door reduces the need for people to leave their homes during a time when people are being asked to stay in a much as possible. Each box has enough fresh food for seven days."

The group says the boxes are delivered to where they are needed, strictly adhering to all safeguarding measures. They say they have completed a thorough risk assessment and have purchased appropriate insurance to cover the initiative.

"The local area has high numbers of elderly, those on low wages or working in the hospitality or art's/ music trades, meaning we will be hit harder than most other areas in the UK" said Robin.

To contribute to the Crowdfunder go to crowdfunder.co.uk/covid-19-food-parcels