Westbury Area Network thanks local community for overwhelming support

The Westbury Area Network, which provides the town’s vital food bank, has thanked the local community for its fantastic ongoing support.

The food bank’s services were in higher demand than ever in 2024 with 1,890 food parcels being distributed throughout the year – a 30% increase from 2023 and a 50% increase from 2022. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity from the local community – local firms, supermarkets, schools and churches and many local people who donate to us, either by way of food or cash donations,” said Janet Gray, a volunteer with WAN. “We received donated groceries as well as financial donations that enabled us to purchase much-needed items to help struggling families. “We are especially grateful as so many have kindly donated despite these difficult financial times.

WAN, which won White Horse News Group of the Year last year, emphasised that their ability to meet the growing demand depends entirely on the community’s generosity.

“These figures clearly show the demand for our service and we can only continue with the generosity of those within our community who are willing to give their time as volunteers and those willing to donate, whether that donation is food or money,” said Janet. “Please continue to donate if you are in a position to help at all.  We truly appreciate all the donations received.  Thank you for your ongoing support.”

The support, said Janet, was particularly meaningful over the festive season, a time of heightened need for many families.

WAN has extended special thanks to The Westbury Leos, the junior section of the Westbury Lions Club. The group not only donated gifts but also gave their time to wrap toys for children in need. “Their help was very much appreciated,” added Janet.

In addition to food parcels, the food bank also distributed food e-vouchers, allowing clients to purchase groceries of their choice at local supermarkets up to an agreed value. 

How to Help

The Westbury Area Network welcomes donations and new volunteers. Those interested can visit their website at www.westburyareanetwork.org for more information.

Food bank and community fridge hours

Based at Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale, WAN operates both the Food Bank and Community Fridge, managed by a team of seven trustees and a small army of dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers.

The food bank is open to referred clients on Mondays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 12 noon. The community fridge, which distributes surplus food from local supermarkets, is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10.30am to 11.30am.

The food bank prepares emergency food parcels to members of the community on a referral basis, either as a one-off or as an ongoing means of support.

While the food bank provides emergency food support to those most in need, WAN also operates the busy community fridge. Surplus fresh food is collected from local supermarkets and made available to the public at no cost, as a means of promoting food sharing, reducing food waste within the community and helping people save a few pennies too.

The community fridge is open to everyone and people can usually expect to find a range of bread, cakes and bakery goods, as well as fresh seasonal vegetables and sometimes freezer produce too.

Below: Westbury Leos and WAN volunteers at the toy wrapping event before Christmas

Below: WAN volunteers with food from the community fridge