What we do

West Somerset Food Cupboard has provided emergency food from the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, since 2007.

We serve Alcombe, Minehead, Dunster, Carhampton, Timberscombe, Porlock and everywhere in between. Food is donated locally, checked and packed by volunteers, and distributed either through a local support agency or directly by our team.

Food parcels

We prepare three types each week:

• Family food box – feeds a family of four for three days
• Individual food bag – for those with cooking facilities
• Individual food bag – for those without cooking facilities (apart from access to hot water)

Parcels include non-perishable essentials such as UHT milk, cereal, pasta, rice, tinned meat and fish, tinned fruit and vegetables, sauces, desserts, drinks and snacks. Those in or near Alcombe can also access fresh fruit and veg. Special diets can usually be accommodated on request.

Local Pantry membership

Alongside emergency food, we run a Local Pantry scheme in partnership with FareShare South West and Somerset West and Taunton Council. Members living within 15 minutes of Alcombe can collect fresh, chilled and non-perishable supermarket surplus food at minimal cost, once a week, for up to six months.

Working together

We support other local food projects and play an active role in the Minehead and Area Food Resilience Forum and similar networks. We also connect people with the right agencies, so they get the support they need alongside food on their shelves.