WEST  Somerset Food Cupboard has been presented The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The presentation, which took place on Friday, January 19, involved His Majesty's lord-lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq.

Deputy lieutenants Ian Moncrieff CBE and Chris Davies CBE also helped at the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Alcombe.

The award, which is the equivalent to an MBE, had been given to the Minehead group last November to mark The King's birthday.

Volunteer trustee, Jane Jones volunteer chair Katrina Midgley and the Food Cupboard's volunteer team were present at the ceremony.

Somerset County Gazette: The presentation involved lord-lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq, and deputy lieutenants

Reflecting on the moment, Ms Midgley said: "What an honour this is.

"The award recognises the commitment and hard work of the incredible team of over 50 volunteers we have at the West Somerset Food Cupboard.

"Their dedication enables us to operate in our local community, ensuring that nobody in West Somerset needs to go hungry.

"In the past year alone, we have distributed a total of 5560 bags of food."

Following the ceremony, Mr Saddiq said: "Due to the cost-of-living crisis, there is a direct need.

"You are leagues ahead of many organisations in the UK.

"We will try to replicate the experience you have gained across other parts of Somerset."

Local councillor Mandy Chilcott, who also attended the ceremony, praised the Food Cupboard's collaboration with local organisations.

Ms Chilcott said: "They work tirelessly alongside local agencies, charities and businesses to make sure food gets to people in need, and to ensure no surplus food goes to waste."

The King's Award seeks to recognise local volunteer groups' invaluable contributions to their communities.

Introduced in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, His Majesty, The King, maintained the tradition of this award upon his accession.

The West Somerset Food Cupboard, which started operations in 2007, works from the Parish Church of St Michael the Archangel.

They ensure donated food is properly checked and packaged, then distributed either directly or through a local agency assisting someone under challenging circumstances.

Seizing an opportunity in 2022, the group established The Local Pantry, a membership scheme developed in partnership with Fareshare South West and Somerset West and Taunton Council’s Local Pantries initiative.

For a weekly fee of £3.50 per member, the volunteer team sorts deliveries, stocks the pantry, and assists with members' weekly shopping.