We are due to open a community café which will be a ‘pay what you can’ café in order to encourage people to attend, socialise and eat without the pressure of a price list. We are keeping the menu simple (soup, sandwiches and cakes) and will use donations from local supermarkets where possible to make tasty and nutritious homecooked meals. We will also have a community fridge and pantry where people can take away excess food to feed themselves and their family. When people attend the café, they will have access to advice and information and will have access to the internet to complete job applications, job search register with GPs, connect with family etc. The café will provide opportunities for individuals to train and volunteer, gaining valuable experience and achieving recognised qualifications such as food hygiene and we will run life skills courses from the café such as cooking on a budget and nutrition classes so it really is so much more than just a café.

What we'll deliver:

• Reduce food waste locally and champion this cause far and wide
• Train 10 long term unemployed / homeless / socially excluded indiviudals to level 2 food hygiene
• Feed at least 500 people in year 1
• Feed hungry people!!
• Provide a daily drop in service where people can access FREE information and help
• Provide at least 52 (1 a week) food parcels to local people and families living in poverty.
• Provide Christmas celebration to people who would normally spend the season alone

Why it's a great idea:

Noone is doing locally. We know from our work so far that some people feel embarrassed asking for charity and so our scheme removes that as people donate anonymously what they can. In addition to us providing food, we are creating a space where people can socialise and have access to information and help. We are also training people in a number of areas and providing work experience. Lastly and most importantly, we are eliminating food waste locally.

Steps to get it done:

• 100 meals provided by September 2017

We are so excited to get this started...we know already from our supporters and those using our service that it is going to be extremely popular and well attended, we just a little support in kick-starting the project. We would love anyone reading about us to follow us on Facebook or even better come and see us - the door is always open and the kettle always on.