The Mayor of Penzance has donated Christmas food hampers to provide for deprived households in West Penwith.

Councillor Jonathan How has donated 50 Christmas food hampers to provide Christmas Day dinners for those most in need.

For many, Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and rich food. But for those families living in food poverty and those struggling with the rising cost of living, this time of year can bring great anxiety.

Falmouth Packet: The Mayor's Christmas food boxes The Mayor's Christmas food boxes (Image: Supplied)

Whilst many local events have now returned and we seem set to have our first ‘normal’ Christmas since 2019, the mayor of Penzance has set aside part of his Mayoral Allowance, which is used to reimburse him when representing the town at civic and community events, to help local families most in need.

Cllr How said: “To some this may be a ‘normal’ Christmas but I suspect that for many it will be yet another experience of the ‘new normal’ in which energy, food, and everything else costs much more. I’m glad that I’ve been able to help in some way.”

The food hampers have been donated to Food for Families Penzance CIC, a local organisation working to reduce food poverty in Penzance and the surrounding areas of West Penwith.

The Community Interest Company (CIC), based in Treneere and at Queen Street, worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to help local families in need and continue to provide support to those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.

They operate a well-used Best Before Store where people can collect food that is still good to eat at a reduced price and this year organised a Santa’s Grotto for the town.

“Thank you so much to Jonathan How for supporting Food For Families.

"This year has been incredibly difficult due to more people coming forward for help because of the national living crisis, which is getting worse daily,” said Julia from Food for Families.

“We haven't had as many boxes given this year due to everyone choosing between heating or eating.

"It's nice to know our project can help lots in need this Christmas.

“Thornes at Long Rock thank you for all your help putting the boxes together. Merry Christmas from Julia, Mia, and all the Team at Food for Families.”

Last year Food for Families distributed over 450 food boxes, this year they are aiming to give out over 600 and are always grateful for donations.

Donation drop-off points for Food for Families include:

• Sainsbury’s Penzance

• The Co-Op (Queens Square, TR18 2JJ)

• Food for Families Office, 59 Lower Queens Street, Penzance, TR18 4DF (please ring 07925 298587 to arrange a drop-off time)

• 7 Polglaze Close, Treneere, TR18 3GB (please ring 07925 298587 to arrange a drop-off time)

For further details about Christmas food donations contact Food For Families, by calling 07925 298587 or via email foodforfamiliescic2018@gmail.com