Food aid charities supporting those in Cornwall who are struggling as a result of the coronavirus crisis are being encouraged to apply for up to £100,000 in government funding.

Since the Food Charities Grant Fund was launched last month, the first 31 charities have so far been awarded almost £1.9 million.

This translates to nearly one million meals being provided.

The grant is designed to provide immediate support to charities helping to feed those suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, including the elderly, those who have left home due to domestic abuse, or those who are struggling financially.

All successful applicants can expect to receive funding within two weeks of filling out the online form.

In the south west, more than £60,000 has been awarded to both Bridgwater YMCA, serving Somerset and Devon, and Bristol-based The Matthew Tree Project, which collects leftover food from local restaurants and distributes it to those in need.

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Dave Jackson, Director of Social Enterprises at the YMCA Dulverton Group, said:

“This has been such an amazing project, and allowed us to utilise the team we already had to go in to produce some fantastic results.

“This has allowed us to continue to feed the most vulnerable people in our community, ensuring their safety and allowing them to focus on isolating without the need to access shops or put themselves at risk.

“We are so proud to be working with Defra and making such a difference to so many people.”

Applicationsneed to be made before the deadline of Monday July 6.