Holbeach Community Larder has been awarded a £2,000 grant, just in time for the launch of its Christmas appeal.
Following a public vote, the community larder has been awarded the money from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund 2014 to enable it to continue doing good work in the community.
Holbeach Community Larder comprises a food bank, a community cafe and an access point for the Lincolnshire Credit Union.
It is a community based project staffed entirely by volunteers.
Money is raised through grants, donations and fundraising events and helps to pay for the premises as well as other items necessary to run the food bank.
The majority of the food for parcels is donated by the local community through bins placed around the town and through events such as harvest festivals, collections in schools and supermarkets.
The food bank provides parcels to people who find themselves in crisis.
The community larder works with a group of local partners to identify those most in need.
Typically clients have had their benefits sanctioned or had unexpected bills that have left them with no money for food.
The community café attracts a wide range of clients, including those in need, the lonely and people who find it difficult to cook.
It also offers respite to some who otherwise may be housebound.
A two course meal is provided either free or for a small donation. The café currently provides meals for between 40 and 45 clients every week.
The credit union encourages members to save for their mutual benefit whilst also creating available sources of credit at fair and reasonable rates. Anyone can become a member by depositing just £5 of which £2 is an administration fee.
Jane Francis, administrator and trustee at Holbeach Community Larder, said: “The grant will make a huge difference by enabling us to provide first class facilities for storing, preparing and cooking food.
“This will make a huge difference to our local community, particularly the old and vulnerable people. It will also help us to meet the current demand for hot meals.
“We have had an amazing response to this project from the community, both businesses and just ordinary people who turn up week on week with food and financial donations. We could not have done this without that support – so thank you to everyone who has contributed in some way.”
The community larder launches its Christmas appeal at Tesco in Holbeach this weekend.
Volunteers will be at the Boston Road store on Friday, Saturday and Sunday collecting donations and the larder hopes to be able to provide Christmas hampers for up to 30 needy families.
