AN increasing number of hard-pressed West Somerset families will need emergency food support this winter, according to local foodbank workers.

Announcing a £600 grant from Asda’s Foodbank Fundamentals fund, the West Somerset Food Cupboard (WSFC) said this week demand for its emergency food bags had already gone up by 10 per cent.

A spokesperson for the food charity, which in 2023 received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, said: “The grant from Asda will help meet the shortfall as we enter the challenging winter months to help cover the essential needs of people in the community.”

The latest figures show West Somerset now ranks among the country’s worst 20 per cent for food affordability with a year on year rise of more than 10 per cent.

WSFC team leader Sara Trigg said: “We are so grateful to the Asda Foundation.

“Our emergency food bags provide meals for a family for up to four days.

“They include a selection of non-perishable goods, ranging from tea and coffee to tinned meat, vegetables, pasta, and rice, supporting those in greatest need of good nutrition.

“We try to use whatever has been donated, but occasionally we purchase food to cater for allergies or special dietary requirements.

“People on low incomes struggle to afford these more expensive items, so this grant will help us to meet their needs.

“Our volunteers and the local community know that food poverty can affect any of us through unexpected challenges in our lives and we can all feel an extra confidence in the charity’s ability to support people in difficulties.

“This grant will make a difference to the community we serve.”

Asda Foundation chairman Karl Doyle said: “Foodbanks and local food organisations provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities when they are facing hard times.

“We know that they are a lifeline service to many, often facing high demand with the added pressure of shortages in donations and volunteers.

“We hope this Asda Foundation funding can support their needs in the final months of the year.”

The Foodbank Fundamentals Fund has provided £400,000 in funding to support not-for-profit organisations which provide food and essential supplies to the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

Last year, £265,000 of funding was awarded to 271 food distributors across the UK ahead of the winter months.

To help cope with an ever-increasing call on supplies in the coming months, West Somerset Food Cupboard also runs a Local Pantry scheme in partnership with local councils and Fareshare South West.

The Local Pantry offers affordable access to fresh, chilled, frozen, and surplus food which would otherwise eventually be thrown away.

The Local Pantry, based in Alcombe’s St Michael’s Church, has 40 member households and holds a lengthy waiting list.

Last year, it distributed 4,000 bags of surplus food to West Somerset families in need.

Anybody interested in making a one-off or regular financial donation to the West Somerset Food Cupboard should visit its website for more information and to find out how to help.