A foodbank believes a donation of more than £6,000 will help it meet rising demand as families continue to deal with the cost of living crisis. 

The donation is part of NFU Mutual’s £1.92 million ‘Agency Giving Fund’, part of the rural insurer’s £3.25m pledge to local and national charities. 

“This donation has enabled Ely Foodbank to go a long way in helping us meet the growing demands of those struggling with the cost of living crisis,” Cathy Wright, project manager at Ely Foodbank, said. 

“The money supplied has meant we can continue to help our clients with food parcels, as well as being able to top up their energy meters.” 

NFU Mutual’s ‘Agency Giving Fund’, in its third year, aims to tackle the ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic and assist local and national charities recover. 

To do this, the company has nominated local charities such as foodbanks to receive a share of the fund. 

“The ‘Agency Giving Fund’ champions local causes that are working day and night to change people’s lives and give hope for a better future,” James Buckland, partner at NFU Mutual, said. 

“We’re proud to have nominated Ely Foodbank for this donation and are able to support the vital contribution they make to our community.” 

READ MORE: How can East Cambridgeshire foodbanks fare with high demand? 

Ms Wright said Ely Foodbank is expecting a tough year, and aim to use NFU Mutual’s donation for buying more food, as well as heating residents’ homes. 

She added: “[This challenge] is keenly felt when the temperature drops and people are making choices regularly as whether to eat or heat. 

“We may see around 10,000 people fed by the end of March which will be around 4,000 more than previously. 

“Thank you to NFU for your support, ensuring we can be confident to be a service to many families and individuals.”