Three local food banks are set to merge in June as part of efforts to better serve the community in Bath and the surrounding area.
A food bank warehouse with donated goods | Photo © Trussell Trust / Alexandra Smart
The Somer Valley and Keynsham Foodbanks will join with Bath Foodbank from 3rd June.
The combined food banks will still be part of the Genesis Trust and will be known as the “Bath, Keynsham & Somer Valley Foodbank”.
Food banks have been facing increasing challenges in recent years. Along with a rise in the volume and complexities of clients’ needs, there has also been ever-expanding rules and regulations which inevitably result in increasing workloads and costs.
Merging the three food banks will help organisers better serve customers across the region.
The food bank will continue in partnership with Trussell and their nationwide network of food banks.
Clients from across Bath and North East Somerset are already able to access any of the three foodbanks once they receive a voucher, so each foodbank already support clients from across the district.
A spokesperson for Genesis Trust said: “We are so grateful to everyone from our community who supports the three food banks.
“If you contribute financially to Bath Foodbank, nothing will change – the payment details will remain the same.
“If you currently support Somer Valley or Keynsham foodbanks, please look out for new details of how to continue to support us.
“And if you would like to start or renew support for the Bath, Keynsham & Somer Valley Foodbank then please do use the link to our website: www.bath.foodbank.org.uk.”
Grainne Moher, who manages Bath Foodbank and is coordinating the merger, added: “We are delighted to be supporting clients across the region through the merger.
“I have been involved with Bath Foodbank since it started in 2011 and believe this merger will best serve the people who need us.”
