THE fifth anniversary of Wivey Kitchen has been celebrated with meal for all those who have been involved.

The charity’s Local Pantry has also marked its first birthday, with both organisations continuing to go from strength to strength.

The Wivey Kitchen volunteers receive 100kg of surplus food on Tuesdays from national food redistribution charity Fareshare, with which the Wellington Weekly and the Free Press are in partnership.

The volunteer chefs and helpers use the supplies to make home cooked meals in a kitchen provided on Wednesdays by Jon and Millie Coward, who own Wiveliscombe’s Bear Inn.

The meals are frozen into individual portions and stored in St Andrew's Church, Wiveliscombe, and St Michael’s Church, in Milverton.

The meals are available anonymously to anybody in need, and can be picked up at any time when the churches are open.

A spokesperson said: “Whether you are recovering from illness, caring for somebody, facing financial hardship, a new parent struggling to find time to cook, or just need a helping hand, the meals are there for you.

“We also deliver our meals on a Friday morning.

“If you can not access the church freezers and live within the 10 Parishes, contact us to inquire about delivery.”

The spokesperson said a special ‘thank you’ went to volunteers Sue Hannam, Rosie Boylan, John Osborne, and Kate Benson, who were there when the charity started and had helped to shape its vision to support the local community.

They said: “What started as much needed lockdown relief has grown into a thriving, well supported organisation.

“To all volunteers, past and present, head chefs, wonderful local businesses that donate produce or services, especially Jon and Mille for providing our very own kitchen, other local charities, agencies and partners that support us, local organisations that have awarded us funding or grants, and to every single donor, thank you - we would not be here without you.

“Here is to the next five years.”

The Pantry is based in the School Rooms of St Andrew’s Church and since September of last year has prevented more than 5,000 kg of food waste going to landfill.

It is open on Wednesdays between 8.45 am and 12 noon for members living within the 10 Parishes who pay £5 a week for six-month membership and receive up to £25 worth of food.

The stock is varied because the charity does not know what surplus food will be delivered, and it is split evenly between members.

The spokesperson said: “We cannot quite believe a whole year has passed since the launch of our community pantry, which has gone from strength to strength.

“Our team of fabulous volunteers have done a superb job looking after our pantry members, who pick up a weekly shop worth £25 for only £5.

“We have places for new members, so if you, or somebody you know, needs help stretching the weekly food budget, contact Sarah for more information, [email protected] or 07587 488420.

“Or, you could talk to Sarah about volunteering and become part of something amazing.”