Here’s a news report based on the information provided:
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**Gleaning Cornwall Delivers £1 Million in Produce to Food Banks, Issues Urgent Funding Appeal**
**CORNWALL, UK** – Gleaning Cornwall, a vital initiative dedicated to rescuing surplus crops, has announced a significant milestone, having delivered an impressive £1 million worth of fresh, edible produce to food banks across the region. However, the group warns that its crucial work is now under threat due to sharply rising operational costs and is appealing for urgent additional funding.
The organisation mobilises volunteers to collect perfectly good fruits and vegetables left in fields by farmers after commercial harvests, preventing waste and ensuring nutritious food reaches those most in need. The £1 million figure represents the retail value of the produce salvaged and distributed since its inception, underscoring the scale of both food waste prevention and hunger alleviation efforts.
Despite this success, Gleaning Cornwall is grappling with increasing financial pressures. “While the generosity of our volunteers and farmers remains unwavering, the practical costs of running our operations have soared,” a spokesperson for Gleaning Cornwall stated. “Fuel for transport, packaging, storage, and maintaining our equipment are all becoming significantly more expensive. This directly impacts our capacity to collect and distribute the growing volume of food needed by food banks.”
The warning comes at a critical time, as demand for food bank services continues to rise amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Gleaning Cornwall plays a key role in providing fresh, healthy produce, which is often difficult for food banks to acquire in sufficient quantities.
Without additional financial support, the group fears it may be forced to scale back its operations, potentially leaving more food to waste and fewer fresh items available for vulnerable families across Cornwall. Gleaning Cornwall is now urging individuals, businesses, and local authorities to consider donating or offering support to ensure their essential service can continue uninterrupted.
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