Fair Frome has had a very busy Christmas period. As well as serving increasing number of people through the foodbank, furniture bank, Food at Five and its other projects it has also delivered food to schools, Christmas presents and toys and supported the Frome Christmas Get-Together meals.
Looking to the new year Bob Ashford the Chair of Trustees said:
“With inflation still running at over 10% and food and fuel inflation much higher we know that demand for our services will continue to rise. As such we are constantly looking at new ways to support people in the town. To help us with this we are pleased to say to that our search for a new premises looks like coming to fruition and we hope to have some exciting news on this in later in January. Trustees have also agreed that we will work to open a new Food Pantry as soon as possible in the new year. Food Pantry’s are developing nationally and are member-led. They provide food at low cost to members using food given by supermarkets (not individual donations for the foodbank) and other sources all of which is fresh and nutritional. Importantly they also offer support, prevent waste and are all about dignity, choice and hope. As always, we will develop a model for Frome.
After 9 years as Chair of Trustees I have decided to step down as Chair and a trustee along with several other long serving trustees at our AGM in January and bring about fresh ideas and energy. It has been an honour to serve for this time and hopefully bring about some positive changes and support for those in crisis and to speak out about the causes of poverty and deprivation in our town. In saying this I would also like to pay tribute to my fellow trustees, our amazing staff group both past and present, our volunteers and partners and supporters without whom none of what we have done would be possible. Fair Frome is in good heart and shape for the future and I know it will continue to be at the heart of Frome.”