Community food project donation to support local residents

Coun Cooke has donated £250 from his ward member grant to the Second Helpings Charity which works with the community to redirect unwanted food, which would otherwise go to landfill, to those in need

The charity has worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coun Cooke said: “Second Helpings is a fantastic charity that supports vulnerable residents in Stamford and the surrounding areas. Its work has never been more needed, or more appreciated, as we continue to fight to control the spread of coronavirus.

“I am pleased to be able to support, in this small way, a group of volunteers whose work not only helps those in need, but also helps to protect our environment by preventing waste. Food waste, is one of the biggest problems we face globally in terms of climate change.”

Second Helpings Treasurer Pauline Spiers said: “Second Helpings aims to reduce food waste by using food gifted from local sources that would otherwise go to landfill.

“The Covid pandemic has put additional pressure on demand but we have continued to provide free access to food from our base at the Methodist Church in Barn Hill, Stamford.

“With so many people facing financial difficulty, the need for this service to provide food for those in need continues to grow each week.”

Both the café and shop are run by volunteers on a “pay as you feel” basis, serving the needs of local people from all walks of life regardless of their ability to pay cash.