Local charity Fair Frome is appealing for the town to support its Food at 5 Community Meals scheme following a rise in costs that has put the service at risk.
Food at 5 offers a warm, safe and inclusive space to everyone three times a week across the town with a hot nutritious freshly cooked meal. The food is bought from local companies Ebbie’s Kitchen, Events Horizon and Improve with Food.
However, senior coordinator of Fair Frome, Lenka Grimes, has said the scheme is appealing for donations of produce and funds following a rise in costs and an increase in people needing the service.
“This is an essential service that provides a hot meal to many who do not have access to properly cooked food,” explained Lenka. “We have pensioners that come on their own, families that come with children, carers who come for takeaways, homeless people and those living in temporary accommodation with no cooking facilities.
“As well as the food, it is a support network with regular teams of trained volunteers who provide consistent friendly support, a listening ear and signposting to ensure improved physical and mental wellbeing.”
The scheme serves an average of 130 meals every week at a cost of approximately £8 per meal. “The cost-of-living crisis has increased numbers and costs and reduced the likelihood of getting funding.
“Fair Frome is targeting its funds on the vital food bank project, meaning without new support this vital Food at 5 project could be at risk in the near future.”
Donations of produce can be offered towards food costs and financial donations can be gifted via bank transfer, cheques, cash, by scanning the QR code, JustGiving page or through the Fair Frome website www.FairFrome.org
To make a donation through the JustGiving page, visit https://localgiving.com/charity/fairfrome
Pictured: Food @ 5 volunteers
