Nearly 600 free cooked meals were distributed to families in need across the Nailsworth area during the month of August.
Food poverty has been identified as one of FGR Community’s main pillars of need throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, alongside tackling loneliness amongst the older generation and providing online activities for local children.
After holding conversations with key figures within the Nailsworth area, it became clear for Forest Green’s community arm that there was a need for free meals in the local area. In particular, those who had practical difficulties accessing government vouchers and vulnerable families who were not covered by the scheme.
"We were really grateful to FGR Academy whose scholars assisted with the home delivery service in the first week and our club chef Jade who prepared the meals"
The football club’s academy players helped with the delivery of food across the local area – and the club worked in collaboration with several local organisations including the town and district councils, Nailsworth Youth Club and Community Roots.
The meals, which were prepared by FGR Head Chef Jade Crawford, were all vegan options, and included meals such as shiitake meatball marinara, chilli non carne, lasagne, pate in a brioche bun, and Quorn ‘Q’ pie and mash.
Head of FGR Community, Sarah Urquhart said: “It worked out fantastically as we were supporting Community Roots with their pop up event at Lawnside, so our community coaches were able to meet and get to know local families at these events as well as at their doorsteps when delivering the meals.
“We were really grateful to FGR Academy whose scholars assisted with the home delivery service in the first week and our club chef Jade who prepared the meals.
“We were extremely thankful to the club’s partners; Oatly, Quorn, Sunflower Family, Bute Islands Foods Ltd and Devil’s Kitchen who supplied some of the key ingredients. The project was supported by funding received from Tesco Bags for Life and Candriam. We are looking forward to being able to repeat the offer at October half term.”
Local parent and Nailsworth Primary School chef Zara Robinson was eligible for the scheme – and subsequently took up the opportunity to help cook the meals for local families.
Zara said: “We so grateful for FGR Community for the meals provided. Not only were they tasty but also nutritious. The people delivering them were a delight.”
Now, Zara is signing up as a casual chef for FGR and FGR Community, to help vulnerable people within the local area – and on matchdays at The New Lawn.
For more information on the work of FGR Community, please contact community@fgr.co.uk.
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