The Wadebridge Foodbank has acquired premises vacated by ‘Home Furnishings’ in the town through Miller Commercial.
Since the start of Covid-19, the Foodbank, which covers Bodmin, Camelford, Padstow and the surrounding rural areas, has seen demand for food boxes increase by 80%.
The foodbank, which moved out of a large, loaned premises three years ago, has been on the hunt for a new home for some time.
“Even before coronavirus, we knew our current premises were too small,” said project manager Jacqui White.
“We’ve been fundraising and looking for something bigger for a while, but Covid-19 has made that need critical. We need somewhere big enough to enable us to meet increased demand, store all of our food in one place and ensure safe working for our volunteers.”
The new larger premises will also allow the charity to restart StoreHouse, which it was forced to close when it left its previous location. The project provides donated furniture and household items free of charge to local people in crisis need, as well as selling some items from its shop location to cover core costs.
“I was delighted to be able to help such a worthy cause find the ideal premises they were searching for’ said Thomas Hewitt of Miller Commercial.
“The sale has been made possible due to considerable effort from all parties involved and is testament to the tenacity of the foodbank trustees as well as the understanding shown by the seller during the process.”
