Housebuilder supports food pantry providing Christmas hampers to families in Willand

A food pantry which fundraises so that families in need in Willand can enjoy a festive dinner on Christmas Day has received a £300 donation from housebuilder Bellway.

The Willand Food Network – The Pantry holds coffee mornings, afternoon tea parties, and village sales so that it can pay for items to provide Christmas hampers.

The money donated by Bellway, which is building at the Fox Mill Gardens development in the village, will go towards food and treats for the hampers which are handed out to local people struggling with the rising cost of living.

Rachel Way, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said: “The Pantry does a fantastic job in fundraising all year and collecting food donations so that it can give out hampers to people who would find it hard to afford anything special for Christmas dinner.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that many people are struggling and facing such hard times, especially at this time of year. We were keen to support the work of The Pantry by donating the funds for them to buy items so that they can provide hampers for a great celebration dinner.

“They are making a real difference to families going through difficult times. We are pleased to play a part in their important project.”

The Willand Food Network - The Pantry puts together hampers containing everything to make a dinner for up to six people.

This includes meat, pigs in blankets, stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables including sprouts and potatoes, and a Christmas pudding. Sweet and savoury treats, mince pies, cream, cheeses, crackers, chutney, and tins of sweets are also included. Last year the organisation gave out 84 hampers.

The organisation was set up by parish councillor Helen Jones and is run by a team of volunteers.

They ask for food donations throughout November and December and then a few days before Christmas they use monetary donations like the one from Bellway to buy in items they require to top up and make sure that all the hampers have everything a household would need for a Christmas celebration.

Helen said: “Without big donations like this we wouldn’t be able to produce the hampers at Christmas. It’s absolutely amazing. It’s nice that Bellway are in the village and supporting this project.”

Bellway is building 125 new homes at Fox Mill Gardens, off Meadow Park in the village.

To find out more about Bellway’s work in Willand, visitwww.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/fox-mill-gardens.