West Somerset Food Cupboard thanks public for support as demand rises

The food donated will help feed hundreds of vulnerable individuals and many families over the festive period.

Thanks to the huge support of the local community, the West Somerset Food Cupboard have been able to pack and deliver more than 200 special Christmas parcels, filled with everyday essentials plus a handful of festive treats including Christmas puddings, crackers, chocolates, ham and pickles.

West Somerset Food Cupboard co-ordinator Ann Gibbs said: "Demand has gone up again this year.

"Alhtough here in Alcombe we are making up roughly the same amount of parcels, this year the Quantock Food Cupboard opened covering Watchet and Williton meaning our distribution area has dropped somewhat," Mrs Gibbs said.

"The biggest contributor we see the demand for food parcels is the roll out of Universal Credit. The waiting times for the transition means some individuals and families are going many weeks without any income.

"But there are also many working people on low incomes relying on seasonal jobs or zero hour contracts which mean from time to time they struggle to make ends meet."

Mrs Gibbs said the West Somerset Food Cupboard had been overwhelmed by the response from the local community including businesses, schools and generous individuals.

"We have been amazed by the response; we have had a lot of people donating to the Foodbank rather than buying each other Christmas presents, and we had a big boost from two local mean Dan James and Chris Jones collecting with a trolley which really boosted our stocks," Mrs Gibbs said.

"I think not only was their collection itself successful, but it triggered other people to think about the Food Cupboard and led to further donations."

Mrs Gibbs also thanked her wonderful team of volunteers for their hard work each week putting together the parcels.

"We have a good bunch here, they are hardworking, friendly and reliable," Mrs Gibbs said.