A TAKEAWAY which launched a 'community fridge' earlier this year is looking to help those struggling in the wake of financial challenges facing people in the community.

The Deli Group launched Newton-le-Willows’‘Community Fridge’ in January 10 at Newton Deli on Wargrave Road with the support of environmental charity Hubbub UK in a growing effort to tackle food waste.

Since the covid-19 outbreak the takeaway has ramped up its efforts to help those in need and has helped delivered food to those struggling in the community.

So far in 2020 Newton Deli has distributed more than a tonne of surplus food from local supermarkets (Aldi, Tesco and Co-op) through partnerships with Neighbourly and FareShare, with around 500kg of this since the coronavrus pandemic took hold.

The takeaway has also used 'surplus surplus', which it couldn’t distribute, to prepare meals and feed more than 500 local frontline workers in the NHS.

They have also gifted food surplus to Business For Youth in Newton-le-Willows towards their packed lunch project, with several thousand packed lunches distributed already to children who are home from school.

They have had a £400 in grant funding secured from the Neighbourly Community Fund, with a further £1,500 in funding applications pending.

Marc Faulkner, director of The Deli Group, said: "Given the financial challenges facing so many in our community at present we’ve massively ramped up our operations, and have begun working closely with the council and other local charities and agencies to try and focus our efforts and make as big difference as we can to the lives of those who are struggling.

"We’ve also been certified as a social enterprise and have become members of NCVO and HCVA."

Marc added: "We’re actively seeking to raise at least a further £400 to match the grant award, via a crowdfunded campaign at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/nobodyshouldbehungry and as a business (The Deli Group) we’ve pledged to further match any funds raised over and above that amount.

"Every penny raised is being spent on food stock for distribution, and we’re working with Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, Cllr Jeannie Bell and Halton & St Helens VCA to organise distribution of this stock, with the support of The Victoria Pub in Newton, who have given the free use of their fridges, freezers and storage space whilst they’re closed to bolster our own, to those in need who are unable to access the fridge either due to self-isolation, shielding or because they’re doing the right thing by staying at home."

Cllr Gomez-Aspron added: “Newton Community Fridge has helped the most vulnerable for quite a while, but Marc and the Victoria Inn have made perfect partners able to freeze up goods and then distribute them to those in need due to Coronavirus. If people need help, they should get in touch on 01744 676767 or 01925 357 599 or email at secretary@necg.org.uk. Food and supplies donations are welcome at Newton Deli and our volunteers can help with delivery.”