A range of voluntary groups across Carlisle fighting against food poverty have joined forces as the ‘Carlisle Food Security Network.’

The group aims to ensure that nobody will go without food this Christmas.

The vision for this network of community groups, which includes foodbanks, food pantries and affordable food hubs, is that all residents of Carlisle will have enough to eat this Christmas.

Supported by the county council’s Winter Household Fund, the network is made up of 12 organisations which provide affordable and free food to people from across the city and wider district, with additional support from several local supermarkets.

The network recognises that Christmas may be difficult for many families and single households this year and is ready to support residents in need - although donations are still needed. Many of the groups rely on goodwill and donations to provide their services.

The government’s Household Food Security data shows that 43% of UK households on universal credit were food insecure pre-pandemic. The latest Labour Market Briefing November 2021 produced by Cumbria Intelligence Observatory shows that there are currently 8,619 claimants of Universal Credit in Carlisle.

Rachael Rodway from Carlisle Foodbank said: “For many years the Foodbank has been concerned that there is no step up from the emergency parcels it provides to people in food poverty. About a quarter of the population lives in food insecurity and the present initiative is to be welcomed to help people manage their scarce resources to ensure the best possible food is available at an affordable price.”