Fair Frome adds another hot meals service to aid town’s most vulnerable

FAIR Frome has launched a third takeaway hot meals service on Wednesdays at Frome Cricket Club at 5pm weekly, in addition to Mondays at Christchurch School and Thursdays at Trinity Church Hall. 

The group report, “These meals are home-cooked, healthy and free to those on low income or benefits. There is always a vegetarian option available and if people let us know, we can cater for other dietary requirements. Desserts are also provided courtesy of Marston Foods and Morrisons. Our Food at Five project means hot meals are accessible across the three main areas of town. 

“During the summer holidays Fair Frome partnered up with Purple Elephant, who were running activity sessions for referred families twice daily for three days per week at Christchurch School, Hayesdown School and Vallis School. Healthy snack packs were provided for those children attending the early sessions to take home; in total 108. Hot lunches were served at 12.30pm at the end of the second family activity sessions, but were also open to all in the community. A total of 286 lunches were served over the 6-week holiday period.   

“The charity has seen a huge increase in referrals to its financial assistance project and furniture bank for various items, from shoes to washing machines, as well as the food bank, with growing numbers of homeless, domestic abuse cases, unemployment and low income affecting many.

“Fair Frome continues to host the support agencies network group comprising of both statutory and voluntary organisations and agencies they work closely with; as well as more recently maintaining close links with schools, which means they are able to respond in a timely and informed manner.”

One of the coordinators Lenka Grimes said, “During the lockdown period from March, we were one of few front-line services to continue to be open on a daily basis, offering face-to-face practical support, as well as signposting. We responded to varying needs in a number of ways; from making cups of tea for the homeless, delivering store cards to schools for families to buy food, to delivering food parcels and craft activities”

The charity is ready; prepared for a potential second wave, rise in unemployment at the end of furlough, with a well-stocked food bank, funding available, volunteers poised, and the support of the community behind them.