Radstock Co-op is supporting the local Foodbank in conjunction with local churches and the 'You Can Help' campaign, developed from a partnership of the Salvation Army, ITV's 'Daybreak' programme and the Co-operative. The aim of the campaign is to get food to those in need.

Shoppers can donate tins, dried food, i.e. pasta, rice, etc. by placing items in one of the collection boxes in any of Radstock Co-op's twelve stores. The goods need to be in date, with the original packaging intact and not damaged. The store will be arranging regular collections to ensure that all donations get to the local distribution point in Midsomer Norton for the onward transportation to collection points. The Society is keen to ensure that help gets to those locally and have donated warehouse space for a period of six months to the scheme's local coordinators, completely free of charge.

This is an opportunity to help members of the community who are facing severe hardship, often due to unforeseen circumstances, by donating essential food items to help them and their families.

The organisers and the Co-op are hoping people will pop extra items into their shopping basket for those in need. It doesn't matter if products are own-branded labels from other retailers, all donations will be gratefully received.

Don Morris, Chief Executive, said: "When we heard about the national campaign, it got us thinking about how we could help on a local scale. These are difficult economic times causing everyone to manage their household budgets very tightly, but we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers during recent charity fund-raising activities.

"When we were approached by the Rev. Stephen Burrows, on behalf of the Somer Valley Foodbank, we felt the Society had facilities to temporarily help a local Foodbank.

"We feel that as a co-operative, helping the community is at the very heart of what we do. We are also providing collection points in all of our stores."

The Somer Valley Foodbank were also in action at the local Tesco store on 1st and 2nd December, encouraging people to donate everyday food items, like cereals, rice, instant coffee, tinned food and sauces. The collections were run by Tesco with the help of food charity, FareShare, and Foodbanks charity, the Trussell Trust. Tesco will be topping up donations by 30%.

People seeking support from the Foodbank should contact the CAB, doctors' surgery or social worker.