Dartmouth and District Food Bank is run by unpaid volunteers and relies wholly on donations and the generosity of local people and businesses. Both councillors involved in the food bank and its treasurer insist that It is open to all who need help regarding a food parcel and no-one is turned away.
Dartmouth resident, Colin Taylor said that he would like to know why Totnes and Kingsbridge people are coming to the food bank when they have their own and local people cannot get help. Two other users of the food bank have complained that outsiders get preferential treatment and that their requests were turned down.
Mr Taylor said: “I thought that the food bank is for Dartmouth people only not for those from out side of the town. It seems they can get what they want and sell the food to buy drink.”
Hilary Bussell, Treasurer for the food bank said: “The food bank is open to all who need help regarding a food parcel.
“Individuals who walk-in are welcomed and given a food parcel if they need one; they are told about the referral system that we use. The referral identifies the support required by the individual. These referrals come from local agencies, doctors, Social Services, CAB.
“We ‘sign-post’ people to other agencies e.g. Dartmouth Caring, CAB for advice. We are impartial and respect the confidentiality of the individuals who use the food bank. The comments made seem to be at odds with the food bank’s ethos.”
Two Dartmouth residents, both users of the food bank, complained to the Chronicle, that they were refused food and they were made to feel intimidated and looked down on. They said: “They are refusing to serve us. People won’t go down there because they feel intimidated and looked down upon. I could do with help now as I have nothing to live on.
“I was turned away last week. I was told I would have to get a referral either from Dartmouth Caring or Citizens Advice Bureau. I’ve just been made bankrupt and I don’t work as I been signed off by the doctor as I have depression.
“Why are outsiders with suitcases, coming from Totnes and getting food? There’s an old lady in there last week who was referred by Dartmouth Caring and she was told she could only have one bag even though the referral was for four weeks.”
Ms Bussell said that the referral system was important to enable accountability and, although no one in need leaves without, that they have to have a way to ensure there is a system for the food bank to discharge its responsibility to its donors as well as providing for the needy.
She added: “Clients circumstances are private to them, as volunteers we do not want to be in the difficult position of judging or assessing their claims. It is a condition of using the food bank that clients must engage with other agencies.
“These agencies have staff that are in a position to assess the need and other further help and suggestions.”
District councillor Jonathan Hawkins: “We do cover all our neighbouring parishes and do not turn anyone away. After their first visit we ask people to get a referral, either from CAB, Dartmouth Caring, surgery, Children’s Centre or Citizens Advice. These referrals are for a 4 week period
We review this regularly with other food banks and as I have said, we never turn anyone away.”
“Since we are run by volunteers, I will ask for more volunteers to help on the Monday session10am to noon at St Clements Church Hall and Wednesday session 11am to 1pm at Ivy Lane. Any one interested in joining us can either can come round on the day or email: