NEARLY 2,000 meals were provided to families who had no money for food last week in the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area.
The CPR Foodbank ran out of supplies after distributing 1,800 meals last week alone, and more than 18,000 meals in January and February.
Organiser Don Gardner, who had to shop at a supermarket to meet demand, said: "We simply did not have enough stock to help everyone.
"We eventually managed to feed everyone but only after buying more food.
"We only have food for up to 12 families, so we will have to buy more with the little money we have.
"Some people can only afford to eat every other day to make sure their children can eat every day.
"Urgent supplies are needed."
Members of Redruth Town Council were shocked to hear of the extent of food shortages in some households.
Mayor Judy Davidson, MBE, said the council needed to try to help the charity, adding: "These are terrible statistics. It makes you realise we are a long way from pulling out of the recession.
"It is crucial that any help is targeted at those in the greatest need. Sometimes the most desperate are the ones who don't speak up."
A 30-year-old foodbank client, who asked not to be named, said he could not afford to feed his children, aged 7, 8 and 11, this week.
He said: "I had nothing in my cupboards, they were empty. I didn't know what to do until a friend directed me to the foodbank. It's the first time I have needed help and I had nobody to turn to."
He explained that he is on benefits and has about £90 a fortnight to spend on food, gas and electricity. He blamed changes in council tax benefits, coupled with TV licence fees and rent arrears.
He added: "It's really hard to afford things anymore. I can't even keep my house warm.
"I have never asked for any help before and this was my only option.
"The foodbank was brilliant and able to help me immediately with tins of beans, sausages, dry spaghetti, rice, pasta and milk. I would not know what to do without them."
The CPR Foodbank is particularly appealing for tins of meat, tinned ready meals and pasta sauces.
To offer help ring Mr Gardner on 01209 714592 or donate at:
Tesco Redruth, Camborne and Pool
All 16 Methodist Chapels in the Camborne-Redruth circuit
Camborne Parish Church
Scorrier Christian Fellowship
St Andrews Parish Church Redruth
Redruth Baptist Church
St Euny Church, Redruth
Morrisons, Pool.
