A new mobile food project run by local churches has been launched in Devon.
The YUM Project (You + Us = More) will run from a converted minibus, with a view to reaching people who might find it hard to access current food support schemes in a fixed location. It includes a social supermarket as well as a foodbank.
The service will operate five days a week across Torbay using church car parks and community centres.
The project is being run by Torbay United - which is a collective of churches and community organisations serving people in need in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – and south west community interest company Asend.
Rev’d Nathan Kiyaga, from Torbay United, said :
“We are delighted to be working with our partners at Asend.SW CIC to deliver this vital provision for our community.
“Such services can only be achieved when people decide to work together for the common good.”
Torbay United was awarded £120,000 as part of the Faith New Deal pilot fund from the government announced last year.
Giles Fearnley, Lay Chair of Torbay Church of England Deanery, said :
“After months of hard work by so many, it is great to be celebrating the launch of this much needed mobile food provision.
“The Government’s grant is enabling Churches across Torbay to work together and mobilise volunteers to deliver very practical support for those who most need it in our community.”
Councillor Jackie Stockman, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said:
“This latest initiative is another example of how faith communities and Torbay Council are
having more deeper and meaningful relationships resulting in better outcomes for our
communities.”