Demand's 'increased tremendously', says trustee of Worcestershire charity tackling food waste
The Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge has recently officially opened its new, larger premises on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate in the town
A Worcestershire charity tackling food waste has said it has seen a growth in its demand and has expanded its facilities so it can continue to support families.
The Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge has recently officially opened its new, larger premises on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate in the town.
Working across the county, the charity redistributes around five tonnes of surplus food each week across the Midlands and delivers more than 140 food parcels.
Zoe Fletcher is one of the trustees who's been involved with them for five years, she says since she started she's seen a change in the numbers who are coming to them.
"It's increased tremendously," she said.
"I've been volunteering for about 5 years and we've gone up from doing 60 parcels a week to now over 150.
"We've got more people coming to us, we're also getting more food donations coming to us, but the cost of living has gone up so much."
The new unit was formally opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, with guests including the MP for Droitwich and Evesham, Nigel Huddleston, the Mayor of Droitwich, Cllr Chris Bowden, local supporters and volunteers.
Founded by Ashlea and Sarah Stone and run entirely by volunteers, Fletcher says what they do has had a real impact on people.
She said: "The other week we had somebody come in and say that the food parcel enabled her to halve the amount of money she spent on her weekly shop, which allowed her to put some money aside for Christmas.
"Everything that comes in doesn't get wasted, we give food out to nursing homes, youth clubs, the list of places where this food goes to is is endless, we even support other smaller pantries in the county.
"There's no criteria, except from people having to book it, it could be that you're struggling with bills or it could just be that you're an eco warrior and don't want to see all this food going to waste."
The move to the new site was funded by a £19,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.