Community centres, schools and churches can now help their local foodbank even more thanks to the introduction of new collection bins.
The Somer Valley Foodbank, which was launched in January as a new social welfare project to help those in food crisis, is giving away the new bins to organisations locally who have the potential to collect large amounts of non-perishable food for the organisation.
Project co-ordinator Joy Fraser said: “With the help we have given so far to individuals and families, we know that these new food collection bins will come in handy.
“Any school, church or community facility that feels they can accommodate one should get in touch. All food items collected will go straight to those that need help the most.”
The community welfare project is led by several local churches and helps people in times of financial need when they cannot afford to buy food.
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 the food has been collected through donations, or from volunteer supermarket collections.
St John’s Church in Peasedown St John already has a food collection bin, which has been used often by parishioners. Local Vicar Revd Matthew Street said: “We now have over 100 volunteers helping the initiative. These range from people collecting food at supermarkets to driving our new collection van.
“So many more have said they’d like to get involved or help where they can, but time doesn’t often permit them to do so. Now, thanks to these collection bins that can be placed in a variety of venues, even more people can lend a helping hand.”
To register for a food collection bin contact The Ammerdown Centre who receive enquiries for Somer Valley Foodbank: 01761 433709 or visit the new Somer Valley Foodbank website: www.somervalley.foodbank.org.uk
