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A kitchen at the Recycling Lives Charity on Essex Street in Preston feeds up to 200 people every Wednesday.
The free meal service, called ‘Suppers Up’ provides different types of food, and those in need can eat as much as they want. People can even take away tubs of food for later.
It all started in Spring this year, with 60 people at the first one but now sees around 150 people on average every week from all walks of life.
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Recycling Lives food warehouse called FareShare aims to tackle food waste and provides all the ingredients for the meals, chicken curry being the favourite.
Some of the people who help cook and serve meals are those who are on the Recycling Lives programmes for rehabilitation or residential support.
Jeff*, who is currently on licence in HMP Kirkham, is one of the prisoners who helps out at the Supper’s Up kitchen.
He said: “I’ve been learning how to cook while in prison and so I am putting those skills to use to help other people.
“I enjoy it, I do and it is nice to be able to give something back.
“I’m in prison until 2026 because I assaulted someone, it was serious and I know I need to be better. Doing this work for Supper’s Up is a way of helping myself and others.”
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After feedback from those who use the service, a clothing bank was added to help those coming in for food. Volunteers see everyone from children to refugees and pensioners who are lonely.
Maureen who volunteers at the kitchen with her husband said: “It’s been a little bit of a shock to us as to how many people use this kitchen.
“This day and age, the amount of people that come through the door and are hungry and in need. People should have enough to eat, shouldn’t they?
“When you’re walking up and down the street you don’t realise. You just see the odd person here and there.
“When you’re here, it’s on mass.”
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Danny from Preston has been using the service for around six months and says the meals are ‘always delicious’. He enjoys attending Suppers Up as he gets to spend time with his friends and girlfriend.
Danny has recently become more involved with Recycling Lives, volunteering two days a week in the workshop where he takes apart electrical boxes.
Doors open for Supper’s Up at 6 pm every Wednesday night and everyone is welcome. To find out more, visit the Recycling Lives Charity Facebook page or visit their website.
*name has been changed to protect identity
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