Support will be available for people struggling to access food in Lancaster and Morecambe between Christmas and New Year.
The Winter Community Support Programme will offer pop-up food clubs, community meals and access to warm spaces for anyone needing them between December 29 and 31.
The Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership (LDFJP) said that last year, local food clubs reported a sharp rise in families struggling to access food, particularly around Christmas Day.
Some organisations do operate over the holiday period – including on Christmas Day – but there are fewer options for people looking for support between Christmas and New Year.
Jamie Murphy, from LDFJP, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming our community to join us at what, for some, can be a difficult time.
“Thanks goes to all the generous people who have kindly volunteered their time to make this project happen, as well as the funding we received from Lancaster Community Fund and Lancashire County Councils Warms Spaces.
“Evidence suggests that last year the gap in services between Christmas and New Year resulted in more people struggling in early January.
“We hope that this project will make a difference.”
There will be two free meals hosted in community centres in Morecambe and Lancaster this year.
The day before each community meal there will be a pop-up food club at the venue which is open to anyone struggling to access food.
Where possible, any surplus food remaining will be used in the community meal the following day.
In addition, restaurants Babar Elephant and The Sultan Experience are both providing 100 meals to be given away.
LDFJP is also developing a list of warm spaces and community meals available across Lancaster District throughout the winter period.
The hope is that in future years there will be a full programme of events throughout December and January offering people the chance to connect with others, share food and keep warm in the dark winter months.
There will be a pop up food club at Fathers House in Owen Road, Lancaster on December 29, serving 1pm – 4pm (pay what you feel) followed by a community meal on December 30, serving from 12pm (free).
There will also be a pop up food club at Poulton Memorial Hall in Church Street, Morecambe on December 30, serving 1pm – 4pm (pay what you feel), followed by a community meal on December 31, serving from 12pm (free).
The list of warm spaces and community meals can be found HERE.
