A social enterprise has warned it is "worried about the months that lie ahead".
The warning came as the Bristol Food Union has launched its Christmas hamper campaign for 2021 to support Bristol's independent food producers as well as getting food to families in need.
The 'Buy One, Give one' Christmas hamper campaign is encouraging the public to dig deep once more to support those less fortunate than themselves, said the not-profit social enterprise.
READ MORE: Quiet struggle in one of Bristol's most deprived areas as bills rise and benefits are cut
Food Union Exec-Director Aine Morris said: "As life continues on, and we all try to adjust to a challenging new normal, here at Bristol Food Union we’re worried about the months that lie ahead.
"With the end of furlough, reduction in Universal Credit, plus increases in the cost of food and energy, once again it is the most vulnerable in our society that will struggle hardest this winter.
"We’re bringing Food Boxes Back, with the aim to make and deliver as many Holiday Hampers as possible to Bristol families that need a little extra love this festive season.
"We feel that doing good and eating well, don’t have to be separate. Our ‘Buy One, Give One’ model invites you to buy something delicious for yourself, and pay it forward by donating to someone in need."
In a statement, Bristol Food Union said that, in keeping with the model for 'feed-the-frontline', the campaign aims to support Bristol’s independent food producers while also getting food to families in need.
It said: "The public is asked to visit our website where they can purchase Christmas hampers, exclusively designed to contain Bristol products, from a range of independent businesses.
"Boxes come in sweet or savoury and are priced at £45 (small) & £60 (large).
"Boxes contain wines from Bristol's oldest wine merchant, Averys; Beers from Wiper & True, and Lost and Grounded; matched by Bristol cheese-monger, Two Belly, with farmhouse cheeses from across the South West. Quince Liquor from 6 o'clock Gin, Christmas chutney, and mince pies from Hobbs House Bakery."
In addition, the not-profit social enterprise is also asking the public to donate £20 to provide a Christmas food provisions box to a family in need.
Dominic Pulsford of Two Belly Cheesemonger said: "We're delighted to once again be working with Bristol Food Union to create holiday hampers, plus help our citizens access good food at Christmas.
"We all deserve something special occasionally, and we feel it's really important to contribute to projects that help the whole city move towards good food access for all."
If you would like to be featured in our Benefit Bristol campaign, or know any organisation we should include, you can contact our reporter directly on estel.farellroig@reachplc.com
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