A Kendal restaurant owner and chef is planning to give up part of his Christmas Day to serve free food to those who might struggle to pay for a festive meal.
Giuseppe Sepe, who runs Sapore on Stramongate, will be at the restaurant between 10am and noon to dispense takeaway boxes of freshly prepared Italian food to those in need.
“I just felt it was right to try to step up and help people in the Kendal area who might be struggling at Christmas with the cost of living crisis,” said Giuseppe, 36, who lives in the town.
“I want to help individuals and families who cannot really afford a nice Christmas meal and those people who perhaps are users of food banks. If it helps even ten people that would be great.
“It is also a way of giving back to the community for supporting us all year.”
He said the restaurant would be decorated for Christmas so there would be a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“There might be people living on their own who cannot afford a special Christmas meal and who would welcome the opportunity to come to the restaurant and see a friendly face on Christmas Day,” said Giuseppe.
He said his wife and two children were supportive of what he was planning even though it meant he would miss part of Christmas Day with his family.
He asked anyone who knew of someone who might be interested in the Christmas Day initiative to mention it to that person.
Giuseppe grew up in Naples and worked in high-end hotels and restaurants in Italy and Switzerland for several years before moving to the Lake District and working in hospitality in Windermere and Ambleside.
Giuseppe said those who wanted to take up the offer should email him in advance at [email protected] or write to him at Sapore, 21A Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 HBH or drop a note in at the restaurant to pre-order their food.
