Dear friends and supporters of the West Somerset Food Cupboard,
We always say that success for West Somerset Food Cupboard means our services are no longer required, but sadly that isn’t the case as demand continues to grow.
This year so far, we’ve distributed 631 emergency food parcels. During June the Local Pantry has served 149 families over 4 Tuesdays, with a membership waiting list that consistently hovers around 50. We will be looking at how we might speed up access to food that would otherwise have gone to waste for these very patient people!
Local Pantry Update
The Local Pantry is a membership scheme formed through a partnership agreement with supermarket surplus charity Fareshare South West and Somerset Council’s (formally Somerset West and Taunton Council) Local Pantries initiative. The team of volunteers’ sort deliveries, stock the pantry, and welcome members every Tuesday, assisting them with their weekly choices, all for £4.00 per member.
Lucky Dip is a Delight
At the Pantry our members have the chance to choose an item from the lucky dip. These are slightly unusual items that the pantry receives and are a little treat. Some of the items that members can choose from include, Angel Delight, Noodles, Herbs and Spices, Tea and Coffee and even cake! As you can see Andrea chose Angel Delight… good choice!
The Lucky Dip gives us an opportunity to talk to our clients, build relationships and offer support where required.
This Month’s Shortages:
- Tins of cold meat
- Sweet biscuits
- Savoury biscuits or crackers
- Bags of rice and rice pouches
- Cup-a-soup
- Small tins of baked beans
- Fruit squash
- Small tins of cold meat
- Tins of pulses
Client Feedback on our Local Pantry…
“Thank you so much for the last six months. It has really helped me get on top of finances and it is always a pleasurable experience visiting the Pantry.”
Alison
Other News…
It was a pleasure for us to meet with some of the agencies we work with and update them on what’s going on. The new team met with the West Somerset Advice Bureau, The Hope Centre and our local Village Agents.
Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give back to your local community, so if you’re interested in getting involved with the West Somerset Food Cupboard, please email [email protected] to find out more.
