The Bridport Food Bank - Cupboard Love - will be opening a second weekly session for families and individuals in need to collect food parcels.

As well as continuing its usual Wednesday session, between 11am and 1pm at St Mary's Church in Bridport, the food bank will be opening on Mondays from 5pm to 7pm at Bridport Youth & Community Centre in Gundry Lane, starting on Monday, January 30.

Cupboard Love was started in 2013 and has developed with the changing times and the increase in need, resulting in more people requiring its support. 

The food bank became an independent registered charity in 2021 and continues to grow and develop as it is now needed more than ever during the cost of living crisis.

Cupboard Love figures for 2022 were as follows:

• Given a total of 1,742 parcels
• Provided food for 2,370 adults and 1,234 children
• 850 families supported and 807 single households supported

This included families in Bridport town and surrounding villages.

Over Christmas 2022, they gave out 60 Christmas bags full of Christmas goodies, in addition to the usual items provided. 

Sonia Maynard, assistant co-ordinator for Cupboard Love, said: "Cupboard Love relies completely on the generous donations of food, money and volunteer time to continue to help others. It is the amazingly generous community in and around Bridport who ensure we are able to do our work particularly at this challenging time for so many of us.

"We have also supported many people escaping the war in Ukraine. Bridport has offered a welcoming and safe place for many people and families escaping this terrible situation.

"Being able to offer a warm welcome and food has been a privilege for us all at the food bank."

Due to the current difficult times so many people are facing, and the fact some people are unable to attend during working hours on Wednesday, Cupboard Loive is launching the new Monday evening sessions as of next week.

Hot tea and coffee will also be available to those using the service.

Cupboard Love is there for anyone in need who is struggling financially, from all walks of life and all ages, including homeless people and many families. Those supported also include some people who are working but struggling with their rising energy bills and mortgages and everyone is offered a warm welcome. 

Anyone wanting to make food or toiletries donations can do so at various locations, including Lidl, Morrisons, Waitrose, Washingpool Farm shop and Beppino Gelato or during the Wednesday morning sessions at St Mary's Church on South Street.

If you wish to make a monetary donation, visit the website for full details on how to do so, or visit the Wednesday morning.

If you are interested in volunteering, call 07443 596 096 or email [email protected]

For more information visit https://www.bridportfoodbank.org/