Devon & Cornwall Food Action has cancelled Helston visits

Devon & Cornwall Food Action (DCFA), which is based in Plymouth, holds monthly events at different locations in Cornwall, at which you can pay £25 and get a large amount of food, toiletries and household goods.

Different to a foodbank, people don’t need a referral or even to book – and there is a charge, although it is much lower than what it would cost to buy the equivalent items from a supermarket.

Alan Dunne, the charity’s chairman, explained to the Packet in January that the rationale behind it was cut down on food waste and help working people who find their monthly pay cheque is covering less and less.

Charity chairman Alan Dunne (left) and one of the helpers earlier this year (Image: NQ) He said at the time: “This is aimed at everyone; it’s quite inclusive. It’s for people to combat the cost-of-living crisis – we’re talking about working poverty here.”

You can read more about what’s in the bags here: I paid £25 and got a week's worth of shopping - and so can you thanks to DCFA

DCFA had been visiting Helston Community College on one Saturday a month for the past year, as well as other locations such as Camborne, Redruth, Hayle, St Ives and Truro.

In recent months the charity had been asking people attending to pre-order by calling in advance, to ensure volunteers knew how much to bring from the warehouse.

However, last week it was confirmed that DCFA would no longer be visiting Helston at all – with all future planned visits cancelled with immediate effect – due to the rising costs of travelling from Plymouth.

An example of what people receive each month from DCFA (Image: NQ) The decision was described as a “surprise” by the Helston venue co-ordinators.

Charlene Price, who co-ordinated the visits on behalf of Helston Community College, shared on the town’s Facebook page: “It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that Devon & Cornwall Food Action - DCFA will no longer be visiting Helston Community College.

“We know how valuable this service was to so many in our community and how greatly this will be missed.  As a school, we continue to remain committed to supporting our whole community and will share any further opportunities like this, as we become aware of them.

“Although we know that transport may be a barrier for some, DCFA will continue to hold monthly events in other towns in Cornwall.  Please visit their social media accounts for more info.”

Some of the DCFA team and helpers with Helston Community College in January (Image: NQ) She added that the decision by DCFA to no longer visit Helston had come as a surprise, given the local support it received.

“As a school, we really appreciate the huge support shown to the DCFA events at Helston by all members of our community.  It was great getting to meet and interact with so many of you on these Saturday mornings – we hope that these positive relationships can continue in other ways.

“If you have any questions please contact them directly,” she concluded.

In response to a question social media about why DCFA was no longer visiting Helston, a representative said: “Unfortunately we have had to make the decision to cancel Helston due to rising costs coming down from Plymouth.

“Please do book in for Camborne, Hayle or Truro. We need a certain amount of people to make it viable as we are a charity and don’t get any funding to help.”

The next DCFA visit will be to Callington tomorrow (October 31) and St Ives on November 2. Future locations and dates will be posted to the 'Devon & Cornwall Food Action - DCFA' Facebook page. 

The Packet has also tried to contact DCFA directly via phone and email for comment.

Alternative support locally

Other organisations locally that support people with food and goods include:

Helston Community Larder

Based at Helston Family Hub in Bulwark Road, every Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm.

It is Mullion’s parish church (St Mellanus) on Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 12 noon.

It also alternates between Mullion Community Primary School and Grade Ruan School in Ruan Minor on Wednesdays between 3pm and 4pm.

Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed operates a foodbank project on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am until 2pm.

Its Open Door Café in Church Street, Helston is open on the same days between 10am and 2.30pm.