The Mayor of Penzance Jonathan How has donated 50 festive food hampers to provide Christmas Day dinners for some of the most deprived households in West Penwith.

This will be the first ‘normal’ Christmas since 2019 after two years battling covid, but Mayor How says it will not be normal for many families who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

That was why he 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.

He 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,” said Julia from 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 day by day.

“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.”

Last year Food for Families distributed more than 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, tThe 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) and     7 Polglaze Close, Treneere, TR18 3GB (please ring 07925 298587 to arrange a drop-off time)