TO help bolster the shelves of Newquay’s recently opened community pantry, the town’s deputy mayor has donated surplus food from her own smallholding.

Newquay’s deputy mayor Cllr Sarah Thomson dropped off surplus vegetables on Wednesday, August 13, to Newquay Foodbank’s community pantry, The Stores.

At this time of year Cllr Thomson has a surplus of courgettes, beans and cherry tomatoes, which she grows in her organic smallholding near Newquay.

Explaining why she chose to do this, she said: “I’m so happy to be contributing, in a small way, to such a valuable asset to the town by providing fresh produce.

“I want to urge allotment holders and local vegetable growers to donate any spare vegetables to Newquay Foodbank. Of course, the weather this summer has impacted the growing season and for many it is an unrealistic request, but hopefully next year we will have a better growing season.”

The Stores, at Age UK’s Govenek venue on Crantock Street, supports people in need of emergency food provision, and those in interim accommodation.

Director of Newquay Foodbank Zoe Nixon said: “We value the public contribution of fresh produce alongside our work with groups such as Gleaning Cornwall, donations from businesses, and organisations such as FareShare.

“Fresh vegetables support sustainability as any items not taken on the day are sent on to our next food bank session, which helps to minimise food waste. Additionally, at The Stores, we create recipe cards in case people need ideas on what to make with some of the fresh vegetables, such as courgettes and marrows.”

For more information about how to donate produce, email Newquay Foodbank’s operations manager on [email protected] or call the office on 07983 622315 to check current stock levels.

Visit newquay.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food for further details