A group of pubs, festival folks and local community groups in Bristol have rallied together to feed the most vulnerable in the city and now they are “in serious danger” of having to stop due to financial issues.
They have been raising money through a crowdfunding campaign and donations have allowed them to be a vital life line for many people.
But now they’ve issued an “urgent update” to the campaign desperate for people to donate.
During lockdown Easton Cowboys & Cowgirls Sports and Social Club, The Plough Inn, The Pipe & Slippers, The Red Lion and the Star and Garter have been feeding those who can’t afford to buy food or are shielding by providing them with fruit and veg boxes.
Every single week they feed around 700 people, but now they only have around two to three weeks of donations left to run the service.
A statement from the fundraiser reads: “Bristol needs you.
“Since the virus hit we have been working together to help our communities through this hard time.
“The disaster has hit hard and many folks have found themselves on the breadline.
“You have really kept people from going really hungry.
“We are looking into the mammoth task of setting up as a charity to access more income streams and become sustainable.
“But, right now we are in serious danger of having to stop.
“We are nearing the end of our resources. We need you."
“Over the last 10 years, child poverty and food insecurity have crept into our communities. It's an astonishing fact that we have working families who cannot feed their children without the use of food banks.
“The problem has been massively exacerbated by the current crisis. Unemployment, isolation, homelessness and illness have all played a part.”
The organisations have been working with AidBoxCommunity, Project Mama, National Food Service and Base.
Originally they set their fundraiser target at £5,000, but kept increasing it everytime they hit target. It now stands at £30,000.
But, as the pandemic continues they have noticed an increase in demand for their products.
The Quartet foundation donated to the campaign, but organisers expect that to run out within the month.
They are currently looking for donations of either £5 which pays for one box and £10 for two. The pubs are also urging people to donate monthly if they can or run a fundraising event.
Tom Quarrelle, landlord at The Plough Inn, said the delivery service started by them donating food to regulars at the pub who were shielding but then they noticed there was a greater need for it.
He said: “Now, we’re providing food for people who have been impacted economically.
“We’ve grown a relationship with these people and we’re aware of their situations so the idea of pulling the plug on it is really heartbreaking.
"If it stopped they would have to make a choice between rent or fresh fruit and veg or petrol verses going hungry.
“Now we really need donations and help from the council.
“Every penny goes towards our produce.”
