Volunteers at Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Foodbank have helped record numbers of struggling local families over the Christmas period.
The Foodbank team, several of whom are pictured here, have seen an influx of requests in recent weeks.
“For the period from April 2016 to 22nd December 2016, the Burnham and Highbridge Foodbank has helped 565 adults and 214 children aged 16 and under – a big increase on the same period last year,” explained Wayne Sadlier, the local Foodbank Manager.
“We have already more demand than for the whole of 2015/16.”
Run by local Churches and supported by the Trussell Trust, the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Foodbank supports people in need in Burnham, Highbridge, Brent Knoll, Huntspill and nearby villages. People have to be referred to the Foodbank by registered agencies.
“There are many people in very stressful situations, through no fault of their own, who would not be able to provide food for their families without this facility. In normal circumstances, this is a tragedy, but made even worse at Christmas,” added a spokesman.
Donations are welcome all year round at local supermarkets, including Burnham’s Tesco and Highbridge’s Asda stores.
Pictured: Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Food bank volunteers Alan Davies, Dot Coles and Neil Olsen with donations for needy local families
