From delivering parcels to families affected by the lockdown in 2020, to a brightly coloured food stall distributing surplus supermarket food, Dursley Community Food Hub is reaching more people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
The hub, which operates out of Dursley Tabernacle United Reformed Church in the West Midlands Synod, delivers up to 50 parcels of surplus food from local supermarkets to homes each week and now provides four weekly drop-in sessions when visitors can select free surplus or donated food and other household essentials.
It is also now partnering with several businesses and community organisations across Cam and Dursley to help more people.
Food collection boxes are being left at business premises, a local estate agent has donated 1,000 bags for life for people who visit the hub without a bag.
A further donation has enabled the hub to buy nappies and a charity has provided transportation to help with deliveries each week.
Hub coordinator Heidi Horn said: “It’s been humbling to see so many different parts of the community get involved as word has spread. Every partnership helps us reach more people.
“We all know people or can imagine how hard the rising prices are affecting families and the response makes me proud to be a part of this community.
“Our twin goals are minimising food waste and helping people who are struggling to make ends meet in the current climate.”
The church also provides a warm space on Wednesdays, including a hot meal, along with the food hub which is open several days a week.
“We have grown and changed so much over recent months and want to make sure people know where we are and how we can help,” explains Heidi.
“The kettle is always on if someone wants a cup of tea. It is a non-judgemental space, people from all walks of life are currently facing hard decisions and we are here to make that just a little bit easier and hopefully help people know that there is a community around them that cares.
“Our volunteers are from the church and across the community and we are always happy to welcome new people to the team. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has got involved in whatever way, they are a testimony to what can be achieved when people come together.”
Thanks are expressed to the following business for their help: Dursley Library, R & J Hardware, Autocheck, Naylor Powell Estate Agents, and Ashmead Womens’ Institute.