DARTMOUTH and District Food Bank is gearing up for a busy autumn and winter season.

And organisers would like to ‘buddy up’ with another organisation to ease the workload and make sure the service continues to provide good support for needy residents in the town and surrounding area.

Spokesman Anna Brownlow said the food bank had remained open throughout the summer but demands on volunteers would be greater in the coming months.

More helpers are desperately needed to keep the community service going, she said.

Ideally the charity would like to move from its Ivy Lane meeting place where it is open every Wednesday between noon and 2pm and be taken under the wing of another organisation or one of the churches, she said.

‘We would really like to buddy up with another organisation for the winter.

‘To be able to work in a supportive environment and a more suitable space would benefit clients and helpers alike. During opening hours we can be very busy greeting clients, checking referrals, identifying immediate needs and giving out parcels. This is a lot to do as clients drop in throughout the twohour session.

‘In addition we like to be sociable and to discover more about our clients’ situations so that we can signpost them to other agencies which might give more long-term advice and help.

‘We just need a cupboard for storage and a table from which to work. A private space for one-to-one chats is very beneficial especially since we hope to secure the presence of South Hams Citizens Advice again.

‘Considering all the goodwill around it would be good to make the food bank even more successful that it is being now.’

Anna said it was encouraging that the food bank had not been busy during July and August while there had been seasonal employment opportunities.

‘Three to four clients per week on average need the food bank because of sickness or family crisis,’ she said.

‘Numbers will rise when the tourists leave and we anticipate seeing between 15 to 20 or so people per week from November.

‘It is great that the town and villages support the food bank. The generosity of donors shows that there is a will in the community to continue the service. We are looking forward to receiving harvest festival donations which boost the stocks we have to buy otherwise.’

She added: ‘As in previous years we want to build up a fuel poverty fund. This is appreciated by health visitors and the children’s centre as it enables many households to keep warm and keep damp at bay.

‘Donations for it can be left at the town council offices at the Guildhall or deposited in the food bank account at Yorkshire Building Society.

The food bank will be running stall in the market square as part of the food festival on Sunday, October 23.

There will be greeting card meal vouchers to buy and a tombola. Anyone wishing to get involved should go along or email [email protected].