Local charity Fair Frome which already runs the local Food Bank, the Furniture Bank, Community Lunches, Holiday Hunger Events and other services designed to provide practical support to meet basic needs and to promote community cohesion, is preparing to launch a new Community Meals Project.
Over last summer and the Christmas holidays, Fair Frome ran their “Holiday Hunger” lunches after local schools raised concerns about children on free school meals not receiving their nutritious lunches during school holidays. For many parents already struggling to make ends meet, the additional costs of school holidays presented them with real problems. The lunches which were run in conjunction with activities provided by Purple Elephant were hugely successful, delivering meals to over 336 children and parents over the two holidays, at least half of whom were on benefits.
This new project aims to build on that success and deliver three community meals every week during term time, after school, in three of the areas of Frome which have the highest levels of child poverty and deprivation.
Bob Ashford chair of trustees of Fair Frome said,
“Fair Frome recognises that many people in the town struggle to make ends meet, balancing low incomes, the high costs of housing and putting food on their families tables. The introduction of Universal Credit for working and non- working individuals and families has brought additional hardship.
“Poverty is a real issue in Frome, with two areas of the town falling within the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England according to government statistics. As a charity and working with other agencies in the town and people’s generosity we try to respond to some of those needs.
“This new project, starting after the Easter holidays will build on our “holiday hunger” scheme and provide nutritious hot meals throughout the year in those areas of highest need, bringing local communities together. The meals will be free to those on benefits and a small charge to those who can afford to pay”
Fair Frome is also looking for volunteers to help with the scheme. If you can spare some time, they would love to hear from you. For more information please contact lenkafair frome@gmail.com
