A new programme has been launched in Penrith to help people struggling with the rising cost of food to prevent them being pushed into poverty.
The Salvation Army in Penrith has launched The Nourished Project.
It is working with local supermarkets to receive their surplus food each week.
Operating on a drop-in basis from the church and community centre on Hunter Lane, The Nourished Project runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm.
People can browse items on tables to choose what will suit their household’s needs.
Products available can change each week and can include bakery items, fresh fruit and vegetables, freezable products and key cupboard staples such as soup, beans and pasta.
Major Carole Donaldson, church leader of The Salvation Army in Penrith, said: “As times remain tough and household bills are ever increasing, we are seeing that people who would have typically been able to make budgets stretch are now struggling with the basic of needs.
“The Nourished Project is there to support people in the short term, we know that if an unexpected bill comes in or a school uniform needs to be purchased it can mean people can struggle to make ends meet and tough decisions are made.
“We are here to ensure that no one chooses to make the decision to not eat because they can’t afford food.
“The Nourished Project is also a different way for us to serve our community and meet people we have never met before.
“We’re proud to provide a friendly welcome and listening ear where necessary and we couldn’t do it without the support of the local supermarkets and the community, and we send our heartfelt thanks out to all that make this possible.”
Members of the local community are encouraged to bring their own bag, and people are asked to take only what they need to help them in the short term.
Major Carole added: “Allowing people to have control over what they choose and what suits them, and their family, gives a level of dignity in using this kind of a service, although there should never be any shame in doing so, and it also reduces food waste and hunger and cares for creation which is a big part in our responsibility and mission.”
If you work for a supermarket or would like to donate fresh produce for the project, please contact The Salvation Army on 01768 866732.
The Salvation Army continues to run its food bank, alongside the Nourished Project, which works on a referral basis from local organisations such as schools, doctors, Citizens Advice and the job centre.
For people looking to support The Salvation Army’s work, a Just Giving page dedicated to its work throughout the Penrith community can be found at www.justgiving.com/penrith-salvation-army
