There are many initiatives in Bridport to give those who need it an extra bit of help during these tough times.
The Food and Garden Glut Stall,which is open today is jointly run by the Bridport Local Food Group, Transition Town Bridport and the Community Fridge, sets up every Thursday from 9.30am-11am at St Swithun’s Church car park in North Allington.
The stall supplies food to anyone who needs it. Food has been donated by supermarkets as it cannot be sold due to being past its sell by date, but not best before date, or may have some minor damage to the packaging.
Surplus fresh produce is also donated by local growers including courgettes, apples and even grapes.
Peter Wilson, founder of the Food and Garden Glut Stall said: “We are somewhere where people can just come along and top up – we don’t have any judgements.
“We have got a good outdoor space that is really convenient for people to get to, and we also deliver to a few others who can’t get out.”
Mr Wilson described it as a ‘safe place for people to come’ and explained that they often see ‘anything up to 50 people.’
He added: “I would say from the feedback that we get that we are there to help people out and help them get through - we are an important part of the community in that sense.
“We are working together. This impending situation will only get worse and it is important to highlight that in Bridport there are several ways people can get help with food.”
Other initiatives include:
Cupboard Love at St Mary’s Church which is the town’s main food bank and is open Wednesdays 11am-1pm via referrals from recognised agencies.
Bridport Community Fridge which operates from the Chapel in the Garden on East Street on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am-1pm and is also at St Swithun’s on Thursdays 9.30am-1pm.
Hopeful Hampers provide emergency bags of tinned and dried and fresh food to families in urgent need of food via referrals from recognised agencies.
Bridport Christian Fellowship on East Street.
The Community Soup Kitchen at Beacon Church, open Wednesday and Friday from noon-2.30pm for a hot meal.
Bridport Local Food Group have also published the booklet ‘Cheap Cheerful Achievable Recipes to Feed Body and Mind,’ which is available from the St Swithun’s food stall on Thursday mornings and the TIC.
For more information on local initiatives visit: https://www.bridportfoodmatters.net/.
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