The Exmouth Community Larder had 407 client visits in January to April this year, feeding 937 people including family members. Since we opened 6 years ago we have given out 5,400 parcels – comprising about 75,600 tins plus bread, biscuits, milk and cereals. So THANK YOU GREATER EXMOUTH for your generosity to disadvantaged people.

This has been achieved by more than 30 volunteers – though not all at once! None has had any payment, not even expenses, so all money donated to The Larder has gone towards provisions for people who need help. Usually clients are referred by an agency that can help them. However, people needing food support can come without any referral or voucher. In that case we review their problem and signpost them to a suitable agency, such the CAB, the Open Door Centre or others, with the condition that any further help needs to be supported by a referral from that
agency. Our policy is to ensure that clients needing help are engaging with the necessary support.

Sometimes the second most important need is simply to be treated as a person who matters. It is easy to lose self respect when things go so badly wrong as to need charity to get food; but no-one thinks clearly when hungry, so food is still the number one priority. But we do try to give a sense of belonging as well as food – we all need help of one sort or another at some point in our lives. The key is to put something back when we can … so THANK YOU again for all those who contribute in whatever way.