A survey compiled by Westbury Area Network (WAN) has revealed how the charity’s work is viewed in the town.
The charity, which runs the food bank and community fridge, was invited to the town’s Morrisons as part of its food drive and used the opportunity to ask shoppers several questions.
Janet Gray, a WAN volunteer, said, “We had a great response from over 140 customers who engaged with us to answer our brief questions. This has highlighted that less than half (47%) of local shoppers did not recognise Westbury Area Network (WAN) as the charity that delivers the food bank and the community fridge, but most (68%) know of the food bank, while fewer knew about the community fridge.”
About half of the people surveyed (49%) at Morrisons were unaware of where WAN’s food bank and community fridge are located—at the Westbury Community Project premises on Eden Vale Road.
Janet added, “Most people understood that a referral was needed to access the food bank. However, many did not realise that the community fridge is available and free for everyone to use in the local community. The purpose is to help stop surplus food from supermarkets going to waste. Often, they thought this was only for people in need, but it is important for the community to recognise the difference. This was borne out as only about 28% of those surveyed had used the community fridge.
“We would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along and make use of the community fridge, which regularly has fruit, vegetables, bread, pastries and even flowers.”
During WAN’s time at Morrisons, volunteers didn’t just raise awareness—through donations, they raised £110, with all proceeds going directly to the charity’s food bank. The charity said they would like to thank the manager and staff at Morrisons for inviting them to come into the store.
WAN volunteers currently support the town’s food bank, community fridge and Abraham’s Kitchen. They signpost clients to services for further help and support when needed. Volunteers also attend local events such as the Soapbox Derby, Chilli Fest and the Christmas Fayre to raise awareness of their work.
To find out more, visit https://westburyareanetwork.org/
Pictured: Westbury Area Network volunteers
