Tim Potter Butchers ‘Paid Forward’ voucher scheme to provide food boxes for vulnerable families across Wellington and Rockwell Green has been a huge success but it needs ongoing support.

Five weeks ago, Tim launched an appeal for the public to buy ‘Potters Pounds’ gift vouchers to pay for fruit and veg boxes for families most in need – so far 142 have been delivered free of charge by volunteers

And £2,870 has been raised to provide families with top quality local produce. The meat and veg boxes are worth £20, at cost rather than retail value.

But the money has now been spent so Tim is renewing his appeal for donations for the scheme can continue.

The boxes contain an assortment of locally sourced fresh produce and vegetables such as free range eggs, Somerset smoked back bacon and Wellington Traditional Pork Sausages. Tim’s suppliers also pitched in and gave a large amount of fresh vegetables.

All local schools are contacted at the beginning of the week to nominate families who could benefit from extra assistance.

Every Thursday morning, a team of volunteers from local schools and Welly Angels have met Cllr Andrew Govier at the butchers shop in Fore Street to pick up 25 to 35 boxes.

The volunteers are Cllr Govier, Wellington School nurse Bridgette Sells, Sophie Heggadon from Court Fields School, Mandie Huggett from Beech Grove Primary School and Mark Stephenson of Welly Angels.

Cllr Govier said it would be ‘fantastic’ to be able to keep the scheme going for those who need it the most: “We know times continue to be tough. The pandemic has left many families without employment and short of money.

“I cannot stress enough how delighted the families are to receive the boxes and we are humbled to see so many people coming together to support and help the initiative.

“Local residents have already shown their willingness to support these families in the town through their generous donations and is another example of the excellent community spirit we have here in Wellington and Rockwell Green.”

Among those who have contributed are Tim Potter Butchers’ regular customers, local businesses and the town council.

Tim said: “Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an unprecedented number of customers requesting free home delivery due to being in isolation. We have been overwhelmed with offers of support and thank all of those who have donated.”

To purchase Potters Pounds vouchers call Tim Potter’s outreach team on 07585 700030.

Tim continues to offer free delivery to vulnerable self-isolated and Covid-19 shielded customers within Wellington and Rockwell Green and offers a completely contactless transaction.