Kay Johnson, a nutritionist who works with Preston Food Partnership

Preston is one of three cities in the country to be chosen for a unique food hub service.

The project funded and founded by the Open Food Network, aims to enable people in disadvantaged areas to gain access to affordable, local produce.

The scheme, which is the first of its kind to come from Open Food Network in this country, is only available in Preston, Newcastle and London.

Read more: Campaign launched to bring waste food cafe to Preston

The scheme involves setting up food hubs around the city, where food will be collected from local farmers and growers and then sold at low costs to people in the area.

Kay Johnson, nutritionist and founder of Foodwise Training, said: “This is a great opportunity for community groups in Preston to work together with national organisations to addresses issues around food poverty including access and education.

Read more: Community grants total of £17,000 given to projects in Preston

“The Preston Food Partnership will support the groups to establish food hubs which will enable people in disadvantaged communities to buy affordable local produce and will offer cooking classes and healthy eating workshops.”

Community groups who are interested in taking part in the project will be offered two places on the Food Champions Programme and will be awarded a small grant to buy equipment and help with running costs.

The project currently has the capacity to support five groups around Preston, but if the initiative is successful, there could be further funding available.

If you’re interested and would like to get involved, e-mail Kay Johnson at foodwisetraining@yahoo.co.uk