THE Quantock Foodbank has supported 961 families over the past year, making a particularly significant difference for families tackling ‘holiday hunger’.

During the school summer holidays, many low-income families face the expense of providing additional meals for their children, and this is often combined with increased childcare costs.

Of the 961 people helped over the last year, 431 were children

The food bank, based in Watchet, has been supported with grants from the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund, administered by Somerset Community Foundation – it received £2,563.34 as a start-up grant in October 2018.

Last August, the food bank worked with local churches and other charitable organisations to deliver 120 food bags to families in Watchet, Williton and the Quantock area. This year it is working with Exmoor National Park.

Kathryn Flenley, Quantock Foodbank committee chairman, said: “The HPC Community Fund grant enabled our vision of a food bank for Watchet, Williton and the Quantock area to become a reality, supporting individuals and families in crisis with food, toiletries and other essential household items until they can regain independence and financial stability."