After fours and a half years as chair of the Somer Valley Foodbank, Joy Fraser has decided to retire from her role, and the organisation is now on the lookout for a replacement.
Joy, along with other volunteers, was instrumental in setting up the Foodbank in 2012 and it was opened for operation in January 2013.
Joy said: “It was quite an adventure setting up the Foodbank. As people heard about the project they began to donate food and we had no warehouse so we stored it all behind the organ in St John’s Church in Peasedown St John.
“Radstock Cooperative Society came to our rescue and provided us with warehouse space just before we did our first big food collection at Tesco.
“With about 5 tonnes of food collected we were able to launch in January 2013 with clients arriving at our very first session.”
The Foodbank has become an established part of the Somer Valley Community and has helped over 4,000 people over the last four years who have found themselves in food crisis for whatever reason.
The Distribution Centres give clients a warm welcome and a cup of tea while their food bags are made up.
Jane Street, who over sees the Distribution Centres, said: “No-one should be afraid to bring their voucher to the Foodbank. All our volunteers want to help and will give a listening ear to anyone who wants to talk.
“They will also advise them on what other help may be available to them. Foodbank vouchers can be obtained from agencies such as CAB, DHI, many B&NES Council services, and other charities.”
The Foodbank is looking for someone to replace Joy as the Chair of the Management Committee. Joy added: “It has been a privilege to be in the role over the last few years but now is the time to move on and let someone else lead and develop the Foodbank.
“Whoever takes up the role will have a great team with them who work hard with their different roles and responsibilities. Overall there are about 70 volunteers supporting the Foodbank in various ways.”
The Somer Valley Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust, a Christian Charity that now has over 450 Foodbanks operating around the country.
The new Chair will have support from the Trussell Trust as well as the Management Committee and will probably need to give a day a week to the role.
For further information and a description of the role, anyone interested should contact Joy on 07947 008042 or email [email protected].
