The Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership has been successful in attracting another substantial grant of £20,000 to support ‘Food on The Move’, now in its fourth year, bringing the total raised for this vital community support to nearly £400,000
The grant, from The Household Support Fund from Isle of Wight Council means that the weekly food provision will support vulnerable families and individuals for another 20 weeks and in the worst time of year for people struggling in the summer holidays and in the run up to Christmas.
Collaboration
The Community Rail Partnership who work closely with the Island’s Housing Associations, Adult Social Services, Charities, Hampshire Police and other local organisations, are given referrals for help daily, and stalwart Ali Smith from the Gaslight Café at Sandown Railway Station, closed since the pandemic, is able to help with volunteers, for parcel pick ups, or deliveries.
Food on the Move started in late March in 2020 as the world went into Lockdown and has helped support literally 1,000s of families and those in need, with fresh and non perishable groceries, whether its for a few weeks or longer term, but always with help and support to other organisations to assist with need.
Lock: Exponential rise in the cost of living
Community Rail Manager for the Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership (CRP), Bobby Lock, said,
“This is a project that has gone from strength to strength with first the pandemic, and people losing their jobs, to the now exponential rise in the cost of living and the impact this is causing on families and individuals.
“It is sad in this day and age that our communities have to rely on foodbanks and this sort of support, but we are just delighted that, with all of our funders, we have been able to do so.”
Supporting the scheme
Funding has come from South Western Railway, Wightlink, Southern Vectis, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, the National Lottery, Wight Aid, Isle of Wight Council ‘Connect4Communities’ and the Household Support Fund.
The Isle of Wight CRP is in its 19th year and have worked on many projects for the island and local communities including Safety at Stations with TravelSafe, Community Art, Events, Gardening, Station regeneration and back to work project ‘Suit Yourself’ to name but a few. Our board members include; South Western Railway, Southern Vectis, Wightlink, Visit Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Council.
A greener way to travel
Community Rail Partnerships work broadly across the whole of the UK with schools and organisations to ensure local railways and integrated transport is promoted as a greener way to travel and in most cases, to sustain a vital link for communities.
For further information please go to our website and follow our Facebook page for the latest news.
News shared by Bobby on behalf of Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership. Ed
