To apply for join the Local Pantry, please complete the form below. You can also download a copy of the form in Word format and then either send it to us by email or via the post.
Local Food Pantry Terms and Conditions
Thank you for your interest in applying to become a member of the West Somerset Food Cupboard Local Pantry for the Minehead Area.
Please read the Terms and Conditions below before completing and returning the membership application form.
Membership
We operate our pantry using a membership model, with new members normally joining on a first come first served basis. After the limited membership places have been awarded all applications will be placed on the waiting list. Membership is £4 per week and is for those who live within a 15-minute journey of the pantry. We accept cash or contactless payments.
The Local Pantry reserves the right to cancel or refuse membership. If membership is cancelled due to non-attendance you can reapply but may be placed on the waiting list. Examples for cancellation include, if:
- You do not use the Pantry over a three-week period, or regularly ‘no-show’ without notice.
- You move away from the area and are now outside the 15-minute journey.
- You are found to be abusive towards the volunteers or other members.
At or at any time after six-months we like to review your membership with you. This is so we can see if the scheme is working well for our members and whether there are other ways we can support them going forwards. If we have a waiting list and you are able, we may ask you to give up your place at this point, to allow another household to benefit.
Going away or on holiday
If you are going away or on holiday, particularly if for more than a week, you should let us know in advance. This isn’t a problem, but we need to know at least 24hrs in advance to avoid food wastage. It is also possible to get a family member or friend to collect on your behalf – no I.D. is necessary, but you’ll need to inform us giving 24 hours’ notice.
Cancelling
You are welcome to cancel at any time and are not tied into any contracts or minimum terms. If you’re unhappy with the service, please do let us know so we can try to find a solution.
Food Information
To comply with food safety standards, we must insist members bring and use their cold storage bag, otherwise we are unable to give you chilled goods. In such cases there will be no reduction in fee, alternatively you can buy a new bag.
What’s in the bag?
We receive most of our weekly food from our Charity partner Fareshare Southwest, who collect surplus food from a variety of sources across the Southwest Region. As such we cannot guarantee we will have the same quantity or selection of food each week. We normally have a mix of fresh, chilled and non-perishable items, although we cannot guarantee this is always possible, and meat is not always available.
Food Allergies and Best Before Dates
If you suffer from any food allergies, intolerances or are unsure about the ingredients in a product please contact a member of staff. In some cases, we may stock items which are past their Best Before Date – best before dates (BBD) are about quality, not safety. When this date has passed that doesn’t mean the food is harmful or ‘off’, but it may not have the same full flavour or texture. If you feel unwell after eating food from the pantry, seek medical advice immediately and contact a member of staff at the Local Pantry.
Consent
By applying to join the Local Pantry you are consenting to being contacted directly about a variety of topics including your membership, changes in service, soliciting feedback to improve the service, or new offerings. This consent is necessary for the service. Your information will not be shared with third parties.
GDPR/Privacy
Your membership information will be stored and processed securely in line with our GDPR policies and procedures. For more information about how we handle and store your information please contact a member of staff by emailing [email protected]
