DEMAND from struggling families in West Somerset for help with food is continuing to soar, 16 years since the West Somerset Food Cupboard (WSFC) was set up.

The charity group has already delivered 872 emergency food parcels this year, against 640 at the same time in 2022.

Last month, the food cupboard and its partner organisations distributed 102 food parcels, with 101 given out in June.

High Sheriff of Somerset Robert Drewett has also paid a visit to the charity to find out more about how it works and to offer his support, and he even helped distribute its ‘marrow mountain’.

The charity currently serves an area which includes Alcombe, Minehead, Dunster, Carhampton, Timberscombe, and Porlock.

Operations manager Ali Sanderson said: “We make up food parcels of varying sizes with all the donated food.

“These parcels are distributed to those in greatest need by a range of local organisations with whom we are pleased to work very closely.

“This means that recipients do not just receive food in isolation, but specialist support relevant to their needs at the same time.”

WSFC, which operates from St Michael the Archangel Church, in Alcombe, also runs a Local Pantry on Tuesdays.

The Pantry, which marked its first anniversary in May, receives fresh food in the morning from a range of sources which is then sorted by volunteers into 40 portions ready for collection in the afternoon by members living within a 15-minute travel radius, who pay £3.50 for at least two bags.

Ms Sanderson said: “The Pantry has proved to be a very popular resource, so we currently have a waiting list.”

She thanked the Rotary Club of Minehead for its ongoing support, including monthly food collections, and funding high vis jackets for the volunteer team.

Minehead’s Saturday morning Park Runners also supported the food cupboard by taking food donations to their run, which was organised by Becca Orpin

St Berthevin FC has linked with West Somerset Community Sports Centre and West Somerset College to support the charity by creating a non-perishable food donation point in the centre’s reception, arranged by Andrew Rose.

Ms Sanderson said: “Having donation points across the communities of West Somerset is a great help, as the need for food parcels remains high.”

She said WSFC prepared four different types of food parcels each week:

The food parcels contained a carefully thought out range of non-perishable food items including UHT milk, cereal, pasta, rice, tinned fruit and vegetables, tinned meat and fish, vegetables, sauces, desserts, hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

For people living in or near Alcombe, the charity was also able to provide fresh fruit and vegetables, and on request it could usually accommodate special diets.

Spark iT, which runs a weekly digital cafe in Minehead Eye and aims to provide support to anybody in Somerset who wants to access the internet but cannot get online, has recently presented an iPad to help the food cupboard’s volunteers.

More information about the WSFC and the Local Pantry can be found on its website www.wsfoodcupboard.org.uk.

More information about Spark iT is on its website here www.sparksomerset.org.uk.