A local project set up back in January 2013 has marked its 10-year anniversary by revealing that it has helped to feed nearly 20,000 people.
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The Somer Valley Foodbank was originally established as a collaboration between local churches and community leaders.
The foodbank, which runs food distribution centres in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton and Peasedown St John, has been at the forefront of helping some of the 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 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. This equates to 19,485 people being fed, 10,689 adults and 8,796 children.
Of those visiting the distribution centres, single people are using the service the most, followed by families, single-parent families and then couples.
Over the ten years, more than 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.
Paul continued: “We wouldn’t be able to support the amount of people we do without our dedicated volunteers.
“Of our 75 volunteers, 30 have been with us since the very beginning.”
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 team of volunteers will offer a cup of tea and help people with their food needs.
