SIR — May I thank the many local shops, groups and individuals who support the West Somerset Food Cupboard by either holding a specific food collection day or by having an on-going collection so that our food stocks are maintained and we are then able to support those in food crisis. Last Friday, the Love Williton group held a very successful coIlection at the Co-operative store in Williton. My thanks go not only to the group for their time and dedication but also to the staff and management of the store and of course my especial thanks to all the customers who gave so freely on the day so that others might eat. We rely on the generosity of local people who support the many different food collection points we have across the district. The Spar shop in Williton has a permanent collection, as do many of our village shops, thus enabling those who live outside of town to donate food to this much-needed facility. And Tesco's in Minehead have a food cupboard trolley in store at the moment. My thanks to the general public who through their kindness and selflessness put the needs of others before themselves - we could not continue without their invaluable support. This is truly charity beginning at home, with West Somerset people helping other West Somerset people. The pressure upon the food cupboard grows daily. We never know from day to day what the demand is likely to be or indeed what food will come in by way of donation. Recently we have, on a number of occasions, had to buy in large quantities of food in order to meet the needs of the referring agencies and still the demand continues to rise. By this time last year we had distributed 478 parcels but already this year that number has reached 694 despite the fact that we had a mild winter and are currently benefiting from the warmer weather. Nearly 3,000 parcels have been distributed to those in need since the food cupboard started in 2007 and we now send more parcels to working households than non-working as everyday costs spiral out of control yet wages remain stagnant. It is hard to believe that this is happening in the 21st century and that we live in the seventh richest country in the world. Poverty and hunger are no longer just a third world problem - we are witnessing this phenomenon on our very own door steps. So my grateful thanks once more to all who support us and continue to do so, it is much appreciated. Christine Payne, Co-ordinator, West Somerset Food Cupboard.