Volunteers set up fundraiser to feed community in Goosnargh

Volunteers at the chapel. Pic: Kathy Bamber

A group of volunteers from Goosnargh are raising money for a new kitchen, after serving over 1,300 meals from a tiny chapel kitchen.

The group began supporting people during the cost of living crisis in December 2022, where they served those in need from the Trinity Methodist Church on Whittingham Lane in Goosnargh.

The ‘Warm Welcome Community Lunch’ began as an experiment, serving a light lunch, but has expanded into providing warm two-course meals for over 60 individuals.

A group of regulars who use the community kitchen. Pic: Kathy Bamber

The group serve people every Wednesday throughout winter and fortnightly during the summer.

Now, the volunteers are struggling with demand, as the church kitchen is too small and not fit for purpose. The caterers have resorted to preparing food in their own homes, which they bring to the chapel to cook and serve.

Since starting, the community has seen thousands of people, some including regulars who admit it is a lifeline as their only social outing of the week.

Anne Rigby, who started using the service in 2022, said: “I’ve lost a lot of my friends now, and never really see anyone when I’m just at home.

“I really look forward to these Wednesdays, it’s the only time I get out besides shopping fortnightly.

“I do enjoy coming, I wouldn’t want to be without it in my week.”

The small team of volunteers have set up a GoFundMe page with the aim to fund a fully commercial kitchen in the church so they are able to cook more meals. Whittingham Parish Council have provided funding so they could buy a large oven in time for Christmas.

More people who enjoy the service. Pic: Kathy Bamber

Volunteer, Kathy Bamber said: “It gets very busy in the chapel’s small galley-style kitchen as soon as there is more than one of us in it, we are bumping into each other and struggling to open drawers and doors fully.

“We don’t dare ask for more volunteers because there simply isn’t room for anyone else.

“A larger space with commercial equipment would make it a lot easier for our volunteers most of whom are pensioners themselves, to cook and serve food in the quantities needed for these lunches.”

You can donate to the fundraiser on GoFundMe.

Subscribe: You can now opt-in to receive Blog Preston news updates through Whatsapp.