A FOOD charity urgently needs to find new premises in Newton Abbot or Totnes from which it can sort and distribute fresh food to those in need of support.

Food in the Community was established in 2013 to tackle poverty and social isolation in Newton Abbot and surrounding areas. Volunteers collect surplus vegetables, fruit and other fresh food from numerous producers benefiting 1,500 vulnerable people per week.

The food is delivered to homes, charities, schools and community groups such as Food Banks and drop-in centres. This equates to more than sixty-tonnes of high quality food being distributed, estimated to be a collective saving of more than £100,000 per year from food budgets.

The charity is seeking a small warehouse, with running water and office accommodation is sought at a peppercorn rent for a period of up to three years.

In addition, Food in the Community services pop-up cafes in Totnes and Newton Abbot once a month, run almost entirely by volunteers. These are regularly attended by over two hundred people, many of whose lives are enriched by the top quality, nourishing meals they receive.

Co-director David Markson said: ‘Finding suitable premises in our locality would transform our provision, enabling ‘Food in the Community’ to help many more vulnerable people.’

The hope is that a company or business within the areas of Totnes and Newton Abbot will have some spare or redundant capacity within its warehouse or office facilities to offer. Any proposal would be very gratefully received. Please contact: Chantelle Norton on 07528 665712 or David Markson on 07702 727009. For more information go to www.foodincommunity.org.ORDER YOUR DIGITAL EDITION HERE