MORE volunteers are being recruited to help the increasingly busy Moorland Food Bank as it approaches the first anniversary of the charity’s relaunch.

The food bank is based in Dulverton and serves communities across most of southern Exmoor.

The charity, run by local volunteers, is committed to building food resilience in and serving the residents of the rural communities of southern Exmoor, including Dulverton, Brushford, Skilgate, Upton, Brompton Regis, Exton, Winsford, Exford, Cutcombe, Withypool, and Hawkridge.

A spokesperson said: “We are looking at expanding our services, and we will let you know these developments when we have more information.”

The charity needs help even for just an hour a week on a Monday between 9 am and 10 am, and is also looking for people with a little more time to spare who are prepared to deliver food parcels.

The spokesperson said: “One would think it is a third world problem to be hungry or have to choose between heating your home or feeding your family, but unfortunately it is not.

“If you are struggling to make ends meet and would benefit from a bit of food support, we are here to help.

“We provide parcels of non-perishable store cupboard basics that are designed to take a little pressure off stretched household budgets in difficult times.

“We also provide information on how to access local support for a range of issues.”

The food bank was relaunched in December last year following a public meeting to recruit new trustees and helpers after founder Jenny Barker stepped back.

It relocated to the Riverside House former youth club building in Kemps Way and the board is now looking to develop the premises as a community hub in addition to the food bank.

Discussions have been held with several groups about the possibility of them using the building for their meetings.

Food donations continue to be sought to maintain the charity’s service with collection boxes and tins placed in the café and shop and the Royal Oak public house in Withypool, in the Royal Oak, Winsford, and in Mollie’s Makers, Dulverton.

Food can also be donated through the Co-op store in Dulverton.

The spokesperson said: “If you have any extra to spare at all, then please visit our website to donate.

“Every penny or pound we receive goes a long way to help people who are in genuine need.

“Please visit our website to find out more about this.”

The food bank started in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with a team of volunteers operating out of All Saints’ Church, Dulverton, who collected donated food, packed it into parcels, and delivered to those in need in local communities.

It became a registered charity last year and saw a new board of trustees formed under the chairmanship of town Cllr Kevin Preston.

New operational volunteers were also recruited to boost the existing team to continue its delivery of food parcels for those in greatest need.

The food bank now delivers about 300 food parcels a year.