Commencing this Saturday 29th October, when the Cornish Pirates take on London Scottish at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, supporters will have the opportunity to donate food items to this and forthcoming home matches, writes Phil Westren.

The initiative is part of the partnership between the Cornish Pirates and Growing Links, a well-established charity that was founded in 2013 and who do incredible work in West Cornwall.

Growing Links runs the Community Garden at Gulval together with the Street Food Project, a food bank delivering over 75 food parcels to families and people in and around Penzance every week, as well as providing a hot, healthy cooked meal every evening of the year to anyone who does not have the facilities to cook for themselves.

With the increased cost of living, demand has seen a dramatic increase over the last couple of years and in the present climate is certain to rise still further.

Growing Links have at times struggled to keep up with demand, so it is of real importance to engage with the local community and highlight the need for help, so that together, action can be taken against escalating food poverty and the unmet needs of individuals and households in Penzance and the wider area of West Cornwall.

Supporters who feel they can help are asked to bring along tinned and non-perishable goods such as those displayed on the ‘Shopping List’, to a designated drop-off area by the clubhouse corner of the ground between 12.30pm and kick-off on Saturday.

The partnership between the Cornish Pirates and Growing Links is seen as an exciting one, making a positive impact on the local community.

It is also one that we hope can be further developed – so watch this space!

Rebecca Thomas, CEO of Cornish Pirates said: "We are going through rapidly changing and uncertain economic times at the moment, and an increasing number of people and families will be feeling the effects of this.

"The work of Growing Links and other food banks within local areas are vitally important and we are really pleased to be able to support this cause.

"Please help us and Growing Links by donating anything you are able to at our upcoming matches."

For further information visit: www.growinglinks.org.uk/

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer should contact: hello@growinglinks.org.uk