Christchurch Food Bank+ given cash boost from Food Festival Education Trust to help families eat healthily

A CHRISTCHURCH food bank has received a huge boost with a £1,500 grant for two initiatives helping families cook healthy meals.

The cash was awarded by the Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust (CFFET) after saying it was “impressed” by the projects.

One of the schemes involves workshops teaching people how to make healthy, home-cooked meals.

The second Meal in a Bag project provides the ingredients, and even a slow cooker if needed, for families to make dinner together.

Speaking about the Meal in a Bag, Tracey Blick, manager of Foodbank+, reported one mum describing it like a “try before you buy” offer, helping her to buy ingredients that she knew would be enjoyed by her children and not wasted.

Chair of the trustees Julie Ratcliffe said CFFET had been “impressed” by the two initiatives, adding: “Understanding basic cookery, food and nutrition not only enables people to cook healthy meals but also to save money.

“The much-needed projects will make a difference to the health and wellbeing of local people.”

Sarah Lyon, deputy manager at the Foodbank+, added: “We are so grateful for the donation from the CFFET.

“What a blessing this will be to many families and always great to get them cooking together – thank you.”