HUNDREDS of people in Herefordshire are being fed every week by a foodshare project as the cost of living crisis continues.

St Martin's FoodShare is a project run by St Martin's Church in Ross Road, Hereford. The group obtain surplus food from local supermarkets, the national charity FoodShare and other sources.

The group share this food with people in our local community. It has been distributing fresh and ambient food to the people of South Wye for the past 18 months.

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David Bland, from St Martin's Foodshare said that he has noticed people getting more anxious about being able to afford food as the cost of living crisis has started to bite.

He said: "We're seeing a lot more people contacting us saying that they're struggling, people are definitely more anxious than ever with everything that is happening.

The aim of the food share is to redistribute surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away.

 

St Martins food share distribute surplus food to the people of Hereford on a weekly basis. Picture by Michael Eden

St Martins food share distribute surplus food to the people of Hereford on a weekly basis. Picture by Michael Eden

 

Mr Bland said: "At a time like this we can't afford to be throwing any food away. This is all perfectly good food and none of it should be wasted.

"We are always open to more donations from supermarkets, the more we can get the more we can share.

A user of the foodshare who didn't wish to be named said: "The share is an absolute lifeline to be honest.

"I've recently lost my job and have no money coming in at the moment so any help that I can get with groceries is a massive help, as I know it is for lots of people at the moment.

Another visitor to the share said "The work they do here is amazing, not only distributing the food but making everyone feel part of a community.

"I've made friends through coming here and when you're struggling a bit, it's great to know that you're not alone."

Cat Hornsey, city councillor for Hinton and Hunderton, volunteers at the Food Share and said:

The scheme is about more than just food. It's a place for people to come and meet, to socialise, or to just ask for advice.

"We get some lovely people here, and everyone knows each other, people have a chat, a cup of tea and even exchange recipes.

"We have around 40 people a week here on a Friday, collecting food for in excess of 200 people.

"If we can feed that many people a week just through food that would otherwise get thrown away, then we should."