FOOD BANK REPORT – August 2013
Food Bank, Guildhall, Victoria Road Dartmouth
01803 835464
Wednesday 12 noon - 2pm
Dartmouth and District Food Bank is now well into its second year, and August saw the first anniversary of the move to the Guildhall. It is now ensconced on the first floor, immediately above the Town Council office. It opens every Wednesday from 12.00 noon until 2.00pm, and each week hands out a large number of bags of basic groceries to individuals or families in need. Customers can also be referred to other local agencies that can help solve their problems.
Donations are always welcome, especially of basic foodstuffs (tinned or in packets – e.g. pasta, rice, breakfast cereals, etc.). There is a box in the Town Council office, and other collection points include St Saviour’s and St Clément’s churches and the Village Stores in Kingswear. Volunteers who can spare a couple of hours every few weeks are always welcome. Drop in one Wednesday, or ring the Chairman Cllr David Gent on 01803 835464.
At the AGM earlier this year, it was agreed that the Food Bank would move into other associated areas. One of these is the provision of basic cookery lessons, and the project leader is currently assessing the start-up costs.
In view of the rapid rise of payday loan companies, such as Wonga, the Food Bank organisers also hope to bring a credit union back to Dartmouth. Some of the volunteers will be undergoing training towards the end of October.