INCREASED demand has led to the opening hours of the foodbank in Launceston being extended from three mornings a week to five mornings and one afternoon.

Formed just over two years ago, in its first year the foodbank helped almost 1,000 people and from November 2012 to December 2013 it provided food for more than 1,300 people, the majority being single parents and individuals. More vouchers have also been issued to those on low incomes.

Helen Bailey, chairman of the foodbank, said: "The main increase is because low-income families are struggling to make ends meet with higher bills to pay and the rents in the area — at the end of some months they just cannot stretch the funds and have to turn to the foodbank for help."

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