The Radstock Distribution Centre recently welcomed Lord Hylton to their Wednesday session, with the crossbencher in the House of Lords given the opportunity to see the team in action.
His estate of Ammerdown, which hosts a thriving multi-faith conference centre, was instrumental in the setting up of the Somervalley Foodbank so he was well aware of the service provided, but he was interested in the nuts and bolts: where the food comes from, which agencies refer clients, whether local businesses donate, the impact of Universal Credit, and whether Foodbanks are in a position to offer legal and financial advice.
The differences between the needs of urban and rural communities were raised as well as the changing attitudes of the general public: many people now know someone who has had to turn to Foodbanks for help and are likely to be more sympathetic and generous.
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 friendly team of volunteers will offer a cup of tea and help people with their food needs.
With more than 70 volunteers collecting and transporting food, helping in distribution centres, and providing support to those who visit, the Somer Valley Foodbank is one of the biggest volunteer-led projects in Bath and North East Somerset.
For further details, contact Somer Valley Foodbank Chairman Paul Woodward on 07729523986 or at [email protected], or visit the website www.somervalleyfoodbank.org.uk and complete an application form.
