WEST Somerset Food Cupboard have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Minehead-based group has received the highest honour a local UK voluntary group can attain; the equivalent of an MBE.
Among 262 recipients this year, the charity's work serves as a testament to the immeasurable difference volunteers can make in their local communities.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, established in 2002 during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, rewards outstanding contributions by local volunteer groups for the betterment of their communities.
The Food Cupboard is set to receive the award crystal and certificate from Mr Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset in the coming months.
Operating since 2007 from the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, the volunteers have been providing an emergency food service.
The food is donated by locals, checked, and packed by the committed team, and distributed through either a local agency or directly by a team member.
Earlier this year, they also launched the Local Pantry.
This initiative, a partnership with supermarket surplus charity Fareshare South West and Somerset West and Taunton Council’s Local Pantries initiative, offers an affordable food service every Tuesday to its members.
Katrina Midgley, chairperson of the West Somerset Food Cupboard said: "It is such an honour for our organisation to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
"This award recognises the commitment and hard work of the incredible team of volunteers we have at the West Somerset Food Cupboard.
"Their dedication enables this service to operate in our local community, ensuring that nobody in West Somerset needs to go hungry."
Operational manager Ali Sanderson said: "We have 54 volunteers in a range of roles and are so grateful to each and every one of them for generously giving their time and supporting the West Somerset Food Cupboard.
"They are the reason we are able to function each week, and support those in need in our local area.
"A huge thank you to all our volunteers and well done on receiving this prestigious award!"
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