GRANGE OVER SANDS COMMUNITY FOODSHARE

Support Grange Over Sands Community Foodshare

Grange Over Sands Community Foodshare is a dynamic, community-led charity based in South Cumbria. Our mission is to combat climate change, tackle poverty, reduce social isolation, support refugee integration and build strong community bonds. We aim to create community-based solutions to the challenges faced by our local area.

What We Do

Our charity adapts to the evolving needs of our South Cumbria community, addressing issues from the cost of living crisis to the integration of refugees. Here are the key services we provide:

Foodclubs: Reducing Waste and Building Community

We intercept surplus food destined for landfill and distribute it through our innovative and effective Foodclubs. These clubs are not just about environmental action; they foster a sense of belonging and community. At our Foodclubs, we process and share 500kg of surplus food weekly, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and staff. These gatherings connect a diverse cross-section of local people and nurture friendships and community initiatives.

Art Clubs: Creativity and Environmental Education

We host three popular Art Clubs for children, teens and families. Using recycled materials and expert teaching, participants hone their artistic skills, make friends, and receive a food share. Our Art Clubs are a vital resource, especially for teenagers in our rural area, many of whom aspire to pursue art at GCSE and A level. These clubs also teach children about climate change through hands-on activities, using recycled materials and seasonal inspiration.

Refugee Support: English Lessons and Community Integration

We run three weekly English lessons and a monthly Ukraine Support Group for local refugees. These sessions provide a space for making friends, sharing food, and collaborating with the council's housing officers to address the refugee housing crisis. Participants prepare and share fresh, healthy meals, sometimes with donations from local restaurants, and take home food parcels.

Emergency Food Parcels: Immediate Assistance for Those in Need

Our trained staff prepare and deliver emergency food parcels to individuals facing housing and food insecurity, employment issues, domestic abuse, isolation, and other vulnerable situations. We accept self-referrals and referrals from friends, neighbors, nurses, police, and care agencies. As with much our work feeding people who are struggling is the tip of the iceberg of support we can offer. For example, for the first 6 weeks , we offer people a free meal at our local chip shop which can be an absolute blessing for families living in the homeless hostel in our local town or exhausted by what crisis has overwhelmed them. The team who run our lovely chippy dispense tea and sympathy as well as their delicious fish and chips.

Join Us in Making a Difference 

Your support can help us continue and expand these essential services. Together, we can combat climate change, reduce poverty, and build a stronger, more connected community. We are currently taking part as Community Commissioners in the South Lakeland Poverty Truth Commission, which puts 15 local community leaders who have been or are living in poverty with 15 civic leaders who have their hands on the 'levers of power'. This nation wide initiative has brought about positive change in every other region of England, we intend to do the same in Cumbria.

 Please consider donating to Grange Over Sands Community Foodshare and be a part of our mission to create a brighter future for South Cumbria.