A community food project in Bishop Auckland provided support for local families and people struggling to make ends meet over Christmas.
The Auckland Project co-ordinates the Bishop Auckland Community Food Partnership, which supports around 720 households per week.
The network includes Shildon Alive, Baptist Church Bishop Auckland, Woodhouse Close Community Centre and Church, Little Chef / Big Chef Community Pantry at St Helen Auckland, The Well at West Auckland and Evenwood School.
Each week, The Auckland Project purchases approximately 550kg of food from its restaurant suppliers, which is then distributed to the various partners using the Shildon Alive electric van.
This food is also supplemented by seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden along with food from supermarkets which cannot be sold.
In addition to the Partnership’s usual activity, during the festive period, Evenwood School put together 60 Christmas hampers for families; volunteers and staff at Woodhouse Close Community Centre made free Christmas lunches for 100 people; and the Baptist Church Bishop Auckland welcomed around 35 people for a festive lunch.
Speaking in December, Charlotte Walton, Community Co-ordinator at The Auckland Project, said: “With the continued cost of living challenges people are facing, the Bishop Auckland Community Food Partnership is offering support to as many local families as possible.
“At this time of year families and those struggling to pay their bills can feel overwhelmed and the Partnership has been working together to support and help as many people as possible during Christmas holidays.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
