Axminster's successful food parcel scheme rolling out across Honiton

A successful partnership between East Devon District Council and food charity Fareshare South West which has been supporting Axminster residents for two years is now being rolled out in Honiton.

The partnership was set up in September 2018 with food donated by local supermarkets being distributed to East Devon District Council tenants in Axminster who need support. It currently supports 11 households and a total of 30 residents.

The scheme is now being rolled out to support more people across the district, with a food hub being set up in Honiton where community groups can collect food to distribute to their networks.

A partnership between East Devon District Council and Fareshare South West has been in existence since September 2018.

Food is donated by local supermarkets and is then distributed to tenant households in Axminster. This partnership currently supports 11 households and 30 people.

The district council has funded Trip (Honiton Community transport) to collect food from Bristol with the first delivery of food having arrived on June 18.

Honiton Community College have joined this partnership and is now offering food parcels for pupils who qualify for free school meals.

Garry Wakeham, an EDDC tenant and founder of Open Arms, a mental health charity based at Dunning Court, is using the food to support people who would normally come to his sessions, the Honiton Homeless shelter and some of the council's supported tenants.

The Pippins community centre in Axminster is also part of the project; the food parcels here are assisting people who attend the Together Hub and the Job Club, a number of whom are EDDC tenants, which both run from Pippins.

The food the council has collected and distributed to over 100 households will allow East Devon to continue to support tenant families through the recovery phase of coronavirus and school summer holidays when many may still be feeling the effects of lockdown and the difficulties it has created.

Cllr Megan Armstrong, portfolio holder for Sustainable Homes & Communities, said: "During this time of uncertainty and worry for everyone, especially those people who may be suffering financial hardship, it is great to know that initiatives such as this are enabling both families and individuals to cope a little easier by providing some basic food essentials.

"This is a wonderful example of partnership working between the district council, local community groups and national bodies which could be a template for further similar initiatives in East Devon. Well done to all concerned!"