Blackpool FC Community Trust tackle food poverty thanks to lottery grant

Blackpool FC Community Trust is celebrating after receiving more than £10,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The Trust will provide immediate support to people and communities adversely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. By providing emergency food parcels and other essential items, we will tackle short-term food poverty, relieving the pressure of putting food on the table and ensuring fewer people go hungry. Providing free food and essentials also means people have more income to meet other basic costs, e.g. heating.

The creation of a food hub at Bloomfield Road will give struggling families and individuals a local, accessible collection point in the centre of town, reducing transport costs and logistics. This will be particularly beneficial for older residents, people with disabilities and families with young children. As a result, the stadium will be somewhere people see as both supportive and leisure, improving its status as a place that matters to the community.

Working in partnership with Blackpool Food Bank, starting from Tuesday 13th December 2022, The Big Food Truck will be based at Bloomfield Road near the North Stand Community Hub on Tuesdays between 2pm – 4pm and will be offering Family Bags at £5 and Single Bags at £3.

Matt Hilton, Deputy CEO of Blackpool FC Community Trust said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can facilitate a foodbank collection at Bloomfield Road, providing support for people experiencing food poverty within Blackpool’s central area.

‘’Our project is part of a growing collaboration with Blackpool FC supporters, and the partnership with the Blackpool Supporters Trust and Armfield Social Club means residents are involved throughout. They will promote food donations, identify beneficiaries and volunteer alongside our staff.”

Gillian Halliwell, Head of Regional Funding for the North West at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players and the hard work and dedication of local projects, like Blackpool FC Community Trust, this funding will make a big difference to people’s lives within Blackpool.

‘’We’re delighted that our funding is being used to strengthen communities and provide people with the tools and support they need to prosper and thrive.”