OPCC
Forest Upcycling
was there, saw her near avalanched, as the expected numbers through the door seeking good food and company exceeded expectations. And while a growing army has come to depend on the service, the financial demands avalanched too. "When I first started, I thought we would get two or three people to start with. By the middle of the first week we had 30 to 40," said Debbie, also a councillor for Stroud and Chalford. "There is a lot of isolation around - particularly in Cirencester - perhaps because people have lost a partner. As a result, people can lose all interest in food - or in anything. "In those cases, perhaps a friend will bring them along to the lunch club and they generally seem to really like it." Money does not dominate or threaten plans for the first time in the Severn View Food Project's history, thanks to a donation from a little-known fund which
sets aside £1 million a year to support grass roots Gloucestershire charities working with communities. "The money from the Police and Crime Commissioner's fund has been fantastic. It has helped us to get to where we are - on a sustainable footing," she said, which perfectly ticks the aims of the fund. Police and other vital services have also come to appreciate the food clubs - which give them a 'soft landing' into the communities. Charities also appreciate the credibility the OPCC donation gives them too. "What has happened, is the clubs have become hubs. PCSOs (police community support officer) come along - as well as doctors - because they can see 30 people in one place," said Debbie. "That is just one of the valuable social benefits." The food project originally started in schools to promote healthy eating, but that then ran its course. "I was asked if I could start a lunch club for older
98 | February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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