A range of voluntary groups across Carlisle fighting against Food Poverty have joined forces as the ‘Carlisle Food Security Network.’
The group aims to ensure that nobody will go without food this Christmas.
The vision for this network of community groups, which includes foodbanks, food pantries and affordable food hubs, is that all residents of Carlisle will have enough to eat this Christmas.
Supported by the county council’s Winter Household Fund, the network is made up of 12 organisations which provide affordable and free food to people from across the city and wider district, with additional support from several local supermarkets.
The network recognises that Christmas may be difficult for many families and single households this year and is ready to support residents in need - although donations are still needed. Many of the groups rely on goodwill and donations to provide their services.
The government’s Household Food Security data shows that 43% of UK households on universal credit were food insecure pre-pandemic. The latest Labour Market Briefing November 2021 produced by Cumbria Intelligence Observatory shows that there are currently 8,619 claimants of Universal Credit in Carlisle.
The following support is available:
FOOD PANTRIES - residents can register to be members of their local pantry and pay a small weekly fee for collecting food.
AFFORDABLE FOOD - food provisions for a week, for a small weekly fee including delivery to a community partner, community building or household.
Harraby South - Petteril Bank Community Centre - Wednesday (not open 29 December) Morton - Morton Manor - Thursday
Brampton - BAAG Brampton Methodist Church Hall - Friday (not open 24 or 31 December)
Belle Vue / Raffles - The LookOut (Shadygrove Road) - Thursday
Belah - Belah Community Centre - Friday
FOODBANKS - no cost emergency food provision for targeted households through referral agencies, or direct referrals can be made via a Welfare Support Agency.
Emergency Telephone: 07512551449 or email hello@carlislefoodbank.org.uk
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday up to Wednesday 22 December.
We will then be open Friday 24 December 10-1pm, Wednesday 29 December 10-1pm, Friday 31 December 10-1pm. Normal hours will recommence from Wednesday 5 January 2022.
Rachael Rodway from Carlisle Foodbank, said:
“For many years the Foodbank has been concerned that there is no step up from the emergency parcels it provides to people in food poverty. About a quarter of the population lives in food insecurity and the present initiative is to be welcomed to help people manage their scarce resources to ensure the best possible food is available at an affordable price.”
Alan Meyer from Oasis Food Pantry within Elim Community Church said:
"The development of affordable food outlets has been fantastic, but it is also very challenging for staff and volunteers as they seek to meet increasing demand. The variety of outlets is a great help and is a testimony to the efforts of many people within local government, charities and community groups.”
Cllr Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said:
“I’d like to send my sincere gratitude to the wide variety of community groups that provide food to our communities. Like many groups, they’ve had a really difficult time through the pandemic and continue to do so, I applaud their commitment and efforts to help feed Carlisle with dignity and passion. Cumbria County Council is pleased to support the network through the Winter Household Fund - we know with rising food and energy costs many people will struggle this Christmas, I’d urge people to get help if they need it, we are here for you.”