Volunteers at Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Foodbank are preparing for a busy Christmas period as they help growing numbers of struggling local families.
The Foodbank team, pictured here, have seen an influx of demand during recent weeks from needy locals and the group has thanked generous shoppers for giving donations of food.
Nick Bashford, Chair of the local foodbank, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “We have been overwhelmed by the wonderful support from the local community over this last year. Our annual Tesco Christmas event collected 1,571 kilos of food in just three days with food continuing to be donated in the collection baskets at Tesco and Asda.”
“We have also received many individual donations from local supporters for which we are hugely grateful. Sadly, use of our food bank continues to increase.”
He adds: “Since the start of this year we have fulfilled 910 vouchers which has fed 1,286 adults and 570 children – a total of 1,856 people. This is a huge increase over the same period last year 28% more referral vouchers and 15% more people fed.”
“There are other local groups that help people with food so the true need is greater than our figures suggest. Referrals to the Foodbank are made by local agencies. Vouchers are then exchanged for three days of food, enough to provide three meals a day for all members of the household.”
“We would not be able to provide this service to our local community without the wonderful group of volunteers who freely give their time and energies in collecting, sorting and distributing food.”
“We are also very grateful to the Methodist Church in Burnham, St.John’s and Hope Baptist in Highbridge for the continued use of their premises.”
Burnham and Highbridge Foodbank opening times
Over the Christmas and New Year period, the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Foodbank is open at:
- Saturday 21st 10-12 at Methodist Church, Burnham
- Tuesday 24th 10-12 at Methodist Church, Burnham
- Closed Christmas day & Boxing day
- Saturday 28th 10-12 at Methodist Church, Burnham
- Tuesday 31st 10-12 at Methodist Church, Burnham
- Closed on New Year’s Day
- Thursday 2nd 9:30–2 Hope Baptist, Highbridge
- Saturday 4th 10-12 at Methodist Church, Burnham
