Okehampton Rotary Club partners with DCFA to bring food to Okehampton

Okehampton Rotary Club is working with Devon and Cornwall Food Action (DCFA) to set up a pop-up hub in Okehampton using Okehampton RFC facilities. DCFA is a charity which was established in 2010 to combat food poverty. The charity relies on its volunteers to provide the service. Operating from their main hub in Plymouth, the charity takes donations of surplus food from supermarkets and other food outlets and food manufacturers in the South West. This is food that would otherwise go to landfill or to be incinerated simply because it no longer meets commercial sale standards. By redirecting this food, the charity not only helps those in need but also significantly contributes to reducing waste and lowering the environmental impact.

The DCFA Affordable Food Programme is designed to make sure that the people in our community have access to the essential food items they need. DCFA does not replace the local Foodbanks but provides more choice for those in need of help. It is a surprising fact that 82% (DCFA figure) of the people supported have jobs, but people on low wages whilst paying high rents and energy bills can struggle to make ends meet. There are, of course, many other reasons why people needs Foodbank and DFCA support.

The main hub sits at the heart of the charity’s operations. By collaborating with many local organisations, including Rotary, the charity ensures that produce reaches individuals and families needing assistance through running Pop-ups across Devon and Cornwall. No referrals are necessary but the Charity requires that people using its services pre-order and bring their own shopping bags. A fee of £30 is charged, cash or card facilities available. The fee goes to DCFA to cover their operating costs, such as fuel for their vans. For this the customer gets:

 Fresh fruit and vegetables

 Cupboard staples including pasta, rice, bread, tins, cereals, tea, coffee

 Some treats like crisps or cakes

 Frozen food

 Pet food when available.

By using the DCFA service people not only help their families by saving money on grocery shopping, but also contribute to a sustainable cause by helping to save surplus food from going to waste.

Okehampton Rotary Club is working with DCFA to set up a monthly Pop-up in Okehampton with the co-operation of Okehampton RFC, using their facilities for this purpose. DCFA will load up five vans, two of which are refrigerated, with produce at their main hub and deliver it to the Pop-up shop, bringing more than enough to satisfy those who have applied to come.

The planned start date for this is Tuesday, 29th April, 2025, with applications required by midday on Sunday, 20th April, 2025. Application forms will be available at various sites around the town and online at:

https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=970309&ClubID=1048

or by telephone on 07500 113430.

It will be necessary to re-apply every month to comply with GDPR rules. 50 or 60 applicants are necessary for the process to function, so please do not hesitate to apply or ask for further information.

For more information about DCFA, Google DCFA or see www.devonandcornwallfoodaction.org