THE numbers have continued to move the wrong way for the West Somerset Food Cupboard over the past 12 months.

Co-ordinator Ali Sanderson said more food parcels than ever were being distributed by the Alcombe-based charity to needy households across the district.

Last month, 133 food parcels of varying sizes were delivered, taking the total so far for 2023 to 275, more than half as many again as at the same time last year when it stood at 178.

January’s total of 142 food parcels was a 63 per cent increase on the 87 distributed in the same month in 2022.

Throughout 2022 the food cupboard distributed 1,445 food parcels, compared with 1,305 the previous year.

Ms Sanderson said: “Of course, this increase in demand is affecting our stock.

“We know that everybody is feeling the pinch, but if enough of us are able to continue donating food items now and then, we will together be able to make sure that nobody in our community is left without food. 

“We look forward to the day when we can tell you that these numbers are going down, not up.

“The Pantry continues to be very popular and we have been working on ways of reducing the waiting list for those keen to participate, starting with increasing our membership capacity.

West Somerset Food Cupboard pantry Ali Sanderson food parcels Minehead
West Somerset Food Cupboard co-ordinator Ali Sanderson (centre) with some of the charity’s volunteers. (West Somerset Food Cupboard)

“Increasing the number of households that we can include has implications, particularly at this time when supplies of fresh produce are limited.

“So, if you know of any local producer, grower, supplier or hospitality provider who may be willing to talk with us about any surplus food that they might have, please put us in touch.

“We are happy to be working closely with local partners to ensure that gaps in food provision are identified and filled, and that resources are not wasted on duplicated activities.”

Ms Sanderson said the Minehead Area Food Forum provided an opportunity to share information about the various services and projects which were underway and would hold its next meeting in April.

She also urged residents to nominate the West Somerset Food Cupboard in the Benefact Group’s 2023 round of ‘Movement for Good’ where it will be giving more than £1 million to UK charities.