February 2019

We have been busy helping to feed families this half term, delivering thousands of meals to tackle ‘holiday hunger’.

Our Food Redistribution Centre is delivering food to 20 groups across our hometown of Preston during the school break, helping them provide meals for families who struggle financially during holidays.

Last year we distributed 19,410 meals to groups during summer, Christmas and half term holidays.

The national issue of ‘holiday hunger’ has been highlighted in recent years as children miss out on free school meals, putting extra strain on low-income families needing to buy extra food on stretched budgets.

We are now making extra deliveries to community groups and schools to get food to families.

Larches and Savick Community Association shared some of the food with 30 families.

Emma Caffrey, secretary of the Association, said: “We wanted to help our community. The families who come are really positive about it. It’s good quality food too and some of it’s a real treat they couldn’t normally afford.”

All food we supply would otherwise go to waste or incineration. It is surplus stock sourced from supermarkets, suppliers or manufacturers. By distributing the goods to community groups, we are preventing food from becoming waste and helping groups to work with vulnerable communities.

As part of the national FareShare network, the Centre delivers food to hundreds of groups across Lancashire and Cumbria year-round, putting on additional deliveries during the school holidays.

Food Redistribution Centre manager Jeff Green said: “School holidays should be a happy time for families to enjoy making memories together. Unfortunately for some they come with added stress around putting extra meals on the table. We’re really glad we can help groups to support families and make sure children stay well nourished.”