Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Food Bank has helped 644 local people with emergency food over the past year as it continues to see high demand for its services.
The service, which is run by volunteers from Burnham and Highbridge Churches Together, say economic hardship is behind the growth in users.
At the group’s AGM on Wednesday evening, the audience heard that the needs of local people remain high and stocks are running low, with a new appeal made for food donations.
“Over the past year 644 people were fed by the Foodbank in the past 12 months and these came from wards across Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge and the surrounding villages,” said Chairman Wayne Sadler.
“They were of all ages and included 449 children aged under 16.”
He added that every week the Foodbank provides half a tonne of food to those in need across the local area.
The group are also appealing for in-date supplies of the following items: tinned tomatoes, small jars of coffee, tins of custard, tins of fruit, long life milk, tins of custard, packets of mash, tins of rice pudding, tins of carrots, tins of sweetcorn, pasta sauce, biscuits, plus snacks and chocolates for children.
Donations can be dropped off at Tesco in Burnham-On-Sea, The Methodist Church in Burnham, and Hope Baptist Church in Highbridge.
The Food Bank’s aim is to help people through short-term crisis by providing emergency food parcels of non-perishable foods which have been donated by local shoppers and churchgoers.
Food is only given to people who have been identified as being in a real crisis by front-line care professionals from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Sedgemoor District Council, Children’s Centres, Schools or other support services.
The Food Bank also provides support by directing people to other agencies to help combat long-term problems.
Pictured: Top, burnham Food bank helper Alun Davies and, above, the stock of supplies given out by the Food Bank
