After many years of operation from the Salvation Army Hall in Midsomer Norton, the Foodbank collection centre that was based there is moving. 

Outgoing Foodbank Project Manager, Paul Woodward, said: “We’re hugely grateful to the Salvation Army for providing us with a home for many years – a weekly spot where those in need could come and collect food parcels and seek any advice and support they need.

“Now, due to the closure of the church, we’re re-opening our Midsomer Norton collection centre from a new location in August.” 

The last Monday session at the Salvation Army Hall will be on August 5.

From Wednesday, August 14, 1pm until 3pm, weekly food parcels will be available from St John’s Church Hall, behind the Anglican Church, opposite the old Esso (now Asda) garage in Church Lane.

There are also going to be changes at the Foodbank distribution centre in Paulton. The Somer Valley Foodbank in Paulton at the Methodist Church will be changing from a Wednesday to a Monday. The last Wednesday session will be on August 7 and then the next session will be Monday, August 12, from 12pm until 2pm.

The Somer Valley Foodbank, originally established as a collaboration between local churches and community leaders, is nestled under the charitable status of St John’s Church, Peasedown St John.

The Foodbank runs food distribution centres in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton and Peasedown St John and has been at the forefront of helping some of the local area’s most needy ever since its doors opened in 2013.

Since 2017, the Foodbank’s operations have been managed by Paul Woodward who recently announced his retirement from the role after seven years service.

Paul said: “It has been a huge joy to manage and lead the Somer Valley Foodbank over all these years.

“Now, more than ever before over the last 10 years, there has never been a greater need for the Somer Valley Foodbank’s existence. With the rise in the cost of of living, and more people finding it difficult to make ends meet, we are seeing an unprecedented demand for the foodbank’s services.”

The Somer Valley Foodbank Project Manager is a voluntary position that oversees the operation of the foodbank. In partnership with the management committee, the manager guides the development of the Somer Valley Foodbank, including its material resources, financial assets, reputation, partnerships and volunteer body.

The time commitment expected is around 15 hours per week.

Anyone interested in applying for the voluntary role of the project manager of the Somer Valley Foodbank can contact Revd Matthew Street by emailing [email protected]

Since January 2013, the Foodbank has fed a staggering 23,828 people and distributed more than 200 tonnes of food across the Somer Valley. It is part of the Trussell Trust, a Christian Charity that now has more than 430 Foodbanks operating throughout the country.

For more information about the Somer Valley Foodbank visit https://somervalley.foodbank.org.uk