Local charity Fair Frome, which runs the local food bank and other practical projects to help vulnerable families and individuals in the town has been busy preparing for the school summer holidays.

The charity has seen an unprecedented demand on the food bank and other services in the past few months due to the pandemic. During March and April food bank demand was three times that of usual and has continued to be very high.

Their furniture bank has been unable to take in any items and can only deliver small items because of social distancing rules. The Fair Frome Financial Assistance Scheme has stepped up its work to try to meet emergency needs for a wide variety of goods and services which have been referred.

Bearing in mind the impact of the virus and lock-down on families Fair Frome has now stepped up again to try and provide additional support for families over the summer holidays.

Just before the holidays began the charity delivered 800 supermarket shopping vouchers to families with children on income related Free School Meals. They also gave out 250 parcels of food to families referred by schools and the Frome Learning Partnership to distribute to vulnerable families. They are now also working with Purple Elephant who provide summer holiday activities for referred families.

Thanks to a £500 grant from the ASDA Foundation and local donors Fair Frome are now providing healthy snack packs to all the children attending the activities and takeaway hot lunches which are free to everyone in the local community in receipt of benefits or on a low income. The meals are available three days per week: Mondays 12.30pm Christchurch School, Wednesdays 12.30pm at Hayesdown School and Thursdays 12.30pm at Vallis School.

Bob Ashford, Chair of trustees at Fair Frome said: "Unfortunately the pandemic is far from over. Fair Frome has tried, with the practical support of its volunteers, staff and the very generous financial support from the local community to do everything we can to support families and individuals during these difficult times.

"In partnership with other local charities and organisations we are continually looking at new ways to help and these new schemes should bring some relief over the summer holidays. We expect need to only increase though as the Furlough Scheme comes to an end and many more people find themselves unemployed locally. We will continue to do whatever we can with your support to help those most in need. "