Volunteers from Wallingford, Didcot and other areas around the Thames Valley working to eradicate food poverty have been commended by FareShare at an annual awards event.

The event, which took place on Thursday, October 19, celebrated those who give their time to the organisation which is also the UK’s largest charity committed to fighting hunger and food waste.

Two volunteers received highly commended awards. The first was Wallingford husband and wife duo Nigel and Patience Conie for their contributions to the charity’s Thames Valley warehouse. Both have volunteered as warehouse assistants over three years.

The second was the Didcot Community Larder team who were praised for their teamwork and dedication.

The volunteers in the team – Kay Dickson, Peter Harrison and Kaye Devetta – were noted for collectively giving 648 hours of their time in the last two years.

The Community Larder services 130 members every Thursday at it’s new location at the Northbourne Centre, giving access to surplus food and wraparound services from local organisations from just £3.50.

George Wright, CEO of FareShare said: “ We are enormously thankful to everyone across the UK who gives their time to help us continue our vital work. 

"So many of our charities are experiencing skyrocketing demand for their services that food from FareShare is needed more than ever before. Anyone who can donate their time will be making a huge difference.”