What we do
A group of volunteers come together each week to prepare, cook, freeze and deliver individual meals to people in the 10 Parishes area who can not cook for themselves due to physical or economic reasons.
We also stock freezers with meals in St Michael’s Church, Milverton, and St Andrew’s Church, Wiveliscombe. Those without mobility issues can access these.
Our goal is to help improve the physical and mental health of people in Wiveliscombe and surrounding parish communities.
How we started
In the autumn of 2020, with winter lockdown approaching, volunteers came together to provide meals to people isolated in rural areas and those struggling financially.
Originally called the Food Project and delivered alongside Wivey Cares, our activities grew, and in 2022, we became the registered charity, Wivey Kitchen.
With over 100 volunteer cooks and drivers, more than 65,000 healthy meals have been cooked, frozen and delivered in Wiveliscombe and throughout the surrounding 10 Parishes community.
While our primary goal is to provide meals, we’re also very committed to reducing food waste by using surplus food provided by organisations like FareShare.
Donations to Wivey Kitchen help us purchase additional ingredients for our meals and other necessities such as herbs, cooking oil, and delivery containers.
Why we continue
Although the pandemic is over, the need for nutritional assistance remains. As inflation has hit households hard and social services have diminished, we work alongside other charities to help members of our community have access to nutritious food. At the same time, Wivey Kitchen uses food that is otherwise destined for landfills.
Future vision
As Wivey Kitchen grows, we’ll provide more than meals. We’re opening a community pantry, offering nutritional advice, teaching cooking skills, and sharing information to ensure people in our community are supported and never go hungry.