Honiton: Organisations helping people through the Christmas period

With the rising costs of food, petrol and electricity, many families may be in need of support this Christmas.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) projected that the inflation rate could rise to 4.6% by Christmas.

Compared with December 2020, the typical UK family of two adults and two children is predicted to spend £33.60 more per week.

Here are three local organisations who can help.

The King's Centre Food Bank

This is a foodbank open to those experiencing a food crisis.

To use it, you need to have a referral from one of the centre's partner organisations.

These are: Honiton Children's Centre, MIND, St. Paul's Church, Honiton Town Council Offices, East Devon District Council, Job Centre and the East Devon Citizens Advice Bureau.

Once you receive your food voucher you can then book an appointment with the Food Bank to collect your food.

Teresa Pollard, who works at The King's Centre, said: "We supply clients with 3 days' worth of non-perishable food items.

"We also have a selection of toiletries, nappies, baby foods, wipes and sanitary products for those that need them."

The centre is open Tuesdays and Fridays.

The VegBank

The VegBank is a fruit and vegetable stall which is located outside 30 Queen Street.

You do not need to register, have a referral and you are not required to leave any information.

Anyone in need of food can take whatever they require from the stall.

If you can't donate at the time, you can make a contribution at a later date, if you are able to.

The organiser of VegBank said: "The Vegbank Honiton will be stocking all Christmas Vegetables for anyone in need. You can contact us at [email protected]"

The stall is available between 10am and 4.30pm each day and it will be there throughout the Christmas period, except Christmas Day.

Honiton Foodsave

Honiton Foodsave is an initiative to reduce food poverty and food waste in Honiton. Food is collected from local supermarkets and then given away to individuals.

You do not need a referral or booking and no questions are asked.

Jake Bonetta is the founder of Foodsave. He said: "This service is open to absolutely everyone across Honiton and the surrounding areas, with an aim not only to stop food poverty but also to stop food waste.

There is always enough room for everyone, whether you have a specific financial need or just forgot an item in your weekly shop."

Foodsave is open multiple times a week at Honiton Family Church. They can be contacted on their Facebook page or and you can find out more information and place orders here