Social welfare project marks a decade of service to the community
A social welfare project set up in January 2013 marks its 10 year anniversary this week. The Somer Valley Foodbank, originally established as a collaboration between local churches and community leaders, is nestled under the charitable status of St John’s Church, Peasedown St John.The foodbank, which runs food distribution centres in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton and Paulton, has been at the forefront of helping some of local area’s most needy ever since its doors opened.
Paul Woodward is the project’s coordinator. He said: “Thanks to all the local businesses, churches and community groups that have supported the Somer Valley Foodbank over the past decade. Your help and encouragement has enabled us to provide a support and advice service to those that need it the most.
Now, more than ever before over the last 10 years, there has never been a greater need for the Somer Valley Foodbank’s existence. With the rise in the cost of of living, and more people finding it difficult to make ends meet, we’re seeing an unprecedented demand for our services.”
Since January 2013, 7,296 food vouchers have been issued across the Somer Valley. That’s 19,949 people fed – 10,972 adults and 8,977 children. Of those visiting the distribution centres, single people are using the service the most, followed by families, single-parent families and then couples. A staggering 172,300 tonnes of food have been given out!
The foodbank is run by a large team of volunteers, 75 in total who keep the project running each and every week.
“We wouldn’t be able to support the amount of people we do without our dedicated volunteers”, added Paul, “of our 75 volunteers, 30 have been with us since the very beginning.”
The Somer Valley Foodbank’s large team of volunteers are being thanked in the near future with a Volunteer Thank You Event. They all give up their time for free to either help out at the warehouse, collect food and donations, drive vehicles or staff one of the four distribution centres. Foodbanks provide three days of emergency food to people who need it the most. Professionals such as health visitors, social workers and the CAB identify people in crisis and issue them with a Foodbank voucher. The voucher can be taken to a Foodbank distribution centre where a friendly team of volunteers will offer a cup of tea and help people with their food needs.