THE Quantock Foodbank was meeting the needs of local families with the kind donations from the generous people of West Somerset and various stores – until the coronavirus struck.

Now that churches are shut, these collection points have evaporated. At the same time, families who have never before needed to turn to the Foodbank discover that they have little or no money coming in each week.

“A perfect storm,” said chairman the Rev Kathryn Flenley.

“Fortunately, we have been able to source food from various quarters and are so grateful to the organisations who have stepped up to the plate.

“In these strange times, we are particularly grateful for the continued donations of supplies and wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who faithfully collect food from the various collection points and bring it to the Foodbank on such a regular basis.”

The foodbank is particularly low on tinned meat, but also needs items such as: tinned snack meals, fish, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, fruit, soup, puddings, spaghetti, and beans; jars of pasta sauce, jam, coffee, drinking chocolate, tea; juice/squash, cereal, pasta, rice, dried potato for mash, biscuits, savoury crackers, crisps and part-baked bread.

Rev Kathryn said it was appreciated that, for many, donating food has now become very difficult, but anyone who would like to continue supporting Quantock Foodbank might consider donating the cost of the items they would otherwise have given.

Send a donation, to her at Shardloes, Staple Lane, TA4 4DE. Anyone wishing to pay direct into the Quantock Foodbank bank account should email [email protected].