AN Exford couple have told how the West Somerset Food Cupboard acted as a lifeline after they fell on hard times two years ago.

Paul and Michelle Chittenden had both been working long term when they both suddenly lost their jobs within a six month period two years ago and were struggling to provide food for their two young children.

"It had such a big impact, at that time food was priceless to us – it may not seem like a lot but when you have nothing," Mr Chittenden said.

"It was a very difficult time and we used the food cupboard three times before Christmas and it helped out a lot."

"I do not know what people in the countryside would do without it. It really was a lifeline for us –it was quite humbling."

Mr Chittenden said that when you are in a desperate situation having a food parcel takes away one of the biggest concerns and allows you to try and deal with the other problems you are facing.

His family are so grateful for the help they received they have now regularly donate having got back on their feet.

"We donate now because we just want to find a way to give something back," Mr Chittendon said.

"We are not wealthy by any means but compared to where we were a few years ago. To be honest I don’t think a lot of people understand what poor people go through."

Chrissie Payne, who has been running the Food Cupboard from Alcombe Methodist Church for six years, says demand has soared this year - particularly since the role out of Universal Credit in West Somerset.

Mrs Payne said the Food Cupboard had made 2,150 parcels this year.

"What has changed with Universal Credit, is that these JAM (Just About Managing) families, working families who struggle to keep their heads above water and really on things like child credit, they will have no income for a six week period and that can be devastating.

"I think it will be ongoing until everybody is on the system – however I do think Universal Credit will be good in the long run if it makes it so people on benefits cannot earn more than those in work.

"However this transitional phase is making life pretty grim for people, especially this time of year."

After six years in charge Chrissie is stepping down from her post running the Food Cupboard on Friday.

She says her mobility no longer allows her to do the physical work required but she will still be involved in the voluntary sector, helping at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

"When I started we did about five parcels a week," Chrissie said. "The week just gone we did 59.

"The level of donations is phenomenal – in fact we have run out of space to store it all.

"People who donate are from every age group. There is a mother in Minehead who takes her daughter to Mcdonalds for a happy meal once a week, and every week the girl asks if she can save the fruit shoot bottle that comes with the meal so they can come here and donate it.

"The generosity of people in West Somerset is simply amazing and they just keep coming back."

Mr Chittenden paid tribute to Chrissie's hard work and dedication and the role she played in helping his family.

"If had not been for the West Somerset Food Cupboard at that time I do not know what would have happened.

"Chrissie is just a fantastic person who does a wonderful job – the world could do with more people like her," he said.

Mrs Payne said the Chittendens were a prime example of what the Food Cupboard was all about.

"They are amazing example of why we set this up. They struggle even now but still want to give something back."