Launceston Foodbank has been nominated to receive a donation from NFU Mutual’s national £1.92 million “Agency Giving Fund”.

This fund is in its third year and hopes to aid those working at frontline charities across the UK. To ensure these funds reach all corners of the country, NFU Mutual’s Agents are given the opportunity to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund.

This donation has enabled Launceston’s Foodbank to start planning free sessions offering teaching budgeting, planning and cooking basic meals. A spokesperson for the foodbank said: “Our aim is to set up a series of free sessions to address how to make the most of the food you buy and budget on a weekly or monthly basis with the income you have. We also want to offer a haircut, manicure, facial, as when budgets are tight these things are luxuries; sometimes all it takes is a haircut or to just have nice shower gel to make you feel good about yourself.”

Rachel Sleep, representative for NFU Mutual in Launceston said: “We’re extremely proud to have nominated Launceston Foodbank for this donation and are delighted to be able to support the vital contribution they make to our community.”

Yvonne King, Project Manager at Launceston Foodbank, said “We are extremely grateful for the very generous donation from the NFU and to the staff at the Launceston office for nominating us.We are very keen to use this donation to go a little further in supporting those around us in crisis; being able to put a programme in place for tips on budgeting, planning and cooking healthy meals and ways to help with people’s well-being is something we have had on “our wish list” for a while.We are currently experiencing a sharp rise in the number of people we are helping. To support go to www.launceston.foodbank.org.uk