The new Somer Valley Foodbank, which is being set up to support families and individuals in need of food during times of financial hardship, is looking for 100 volunteers.
Since 2000, over 250 foodbanks have been established around the county to provide food in times of crisis.
Now, following the creation of Bath Foodbank last year, a group of local churches, residents, interest groups and councillors have come together to create a similar initiative for Radstock, Midsomer Norton and the surrounding parishes.
By the official launch date on 8th January, co-ordinators of the Foodbank need 100 volunteers to help with;
- Collecting food from churches, schools and supermarkets.
- Weighing, sorting and stacking collected food at our warehouse.
- Helping those in need and distributing food parcels at one of our distribution centres.
- Liaising with the agencies who distribute Foodbank vouchers.
- Helping with general administrative tasks.
Somer Valley Foodbank co-ordinator Joy Fraser said; “To operate the Somer Valley Foodbank successfully we need at least 100 people to volunteer a couple hours per month. Any time people can give, big or small, would be a great help. The benefits of volunteering can be very rewarding, the benefits of volunteers for an organisation like Foodbank are second to none.”
Foodbanks provide three days of food to people who need it the most. Where they have been running in other parts of the country they have been a success.
How the initiative works is that professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, the CAB and police identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.
The voucher can be taken can be taken to a foodbank distribution centre where the food has been collected through donations, or from volunteer supermarket collections.
Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a cup of tea or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies who can provide longer term help with their needs.
Anyone interested in finding out how you could help us please come to the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church on Tuesday 6th November at 7.30pm.
For more details contact Joy Fraser on 01761 433644.
