'Best Before Food Store' in Wellington celebrates first anniversary
The community project has been running for the past year, in partnership with Somerset local pantry scheme, local churches and community volunteers
Last updated 22nd Sep 2023
A Somerset project - giving food which would otherwise end up in landfill to struggling families - say demand keeps growing.
Wellington’s ‘Best Before Food Store’ started a year ago and also lets anyone pay a subscription to access the food - before it’s wasted.
The store is run in partnership with Somerset local pantry scheme, local churches and community volunteers - and costs members £4 a week.
For their membership cost, they are able to take home a variety of fresh, chilled and ambient food, which the charity say would usually set them back between £15 and £20.
The food is mainly sourced via the charity FareShare, who redistribute surplus food, from the grocery sector via community and charitable groups, to those who need it most.
They say they regularly support up to 25 households a week, and over the past year nearly 70 households have benefitted in some way from the service.
Paula Appleby, Project Manager for the scheme said: “Our 1st year anniversary will not only be an opportunity to celebrate, but also to thank the many people who are involved who have contributed so much to make the project a success.”
“We have a team of nearly 30 wonderful volunteers without whom the scheme would not be able to run. We are always looking for new people to join the team. At the moment we particularly need help with publicity, marketing and administration.
"As the digital café starts, we will also need volunteers who are able to help with computer skills at a basic level. Together we want to provide a service that builds the local community and helps people in these difficult economic times.”
Those behind the Best Before Food Store also say it provides a place of community enrichment, with members offered a social space to enjoy refreshments with a chance to chat ad make new friends - as well as being given the chance to join in with various activities.
The Best Before Food Store runs each Tuesday afternoon from 3.00pm to 5.00pm at the Well Centre, Rockwell Green, TA21 9BZ.
You can find out more on their Facebook page.