ELIZABETH MILLS, treasurer of Dartmouth and District Food Bank, writes:

I would like to respond to the rumours about the misappropriation of funds from the food bank, as highlighted in your front page story last week.

I came on board as treasurer during the middle of 2013. As is good business practice, the food bank does have the usual systems in place to ensure that funds remain secure.

As treasurer, I prepare and issue a report at each food bank committee meeting. These meetings are held on a regular basis.

All financial matters are and always have been open to close scrutiny with clear audit trails for each and every donation as well as withdrawals.

The amount of money which has allegedly been taken from food bank funds is absolutely ridiculous and incorrect. Any major withdrawals would only be with the committee's approval.

There have been no such requests for withdrawals since I took over last May.

In my opinion, it is sad that people feel the need to spread such outrageous rumours about the food bank, when in fact our volunteers are doing a valuable job in the community, handing out food parcels for some fincially disadvantaged people in our town.

It is a shame that these gossiping individuals can't use their time more fruitfully by volunteering to assist each Wednesday in the distribution of food parcels to our needy clients.