How Chesterfield charity transformed to provide hundreds of lifeline meals for community

The Chesterfield Asian Association previously ran classical Indian dance classes for children, mental health activities and other projects.

But with social interaction off the agenda, and after asking residents in a survey, the association pinpointed that it could best support residents by diversifying to offer a community lunchtime meals service.

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Organisers set up Saffron Kitchen to provide hot food for vulnerable people and carers three times a week from the charity’s base in Hasland.

Association secretary Sushri Wells said: “It was a very difficult time for us as it was for many charities. But we knew the importance of continuing to support people and we have had a fantastic reaction to Saffron Kitchen.

"We provide hot cooked food for vulnerable people across all communities.”

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After much hard work getting facilities up to commercial standards, the kitchen sent out its first meals on July 13. Since then, it has provided more than 300 meals for people in need in just over two months.

Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepali, Pakistani and English residents have all benefitted from a changing menu of continental and South Asian cuisine.

Saffron Kitchen provides its meals at subsidised rates to medically and socially vulnerable individuals, families struggling with changing circumstances as well as those suffering with stress caused by the loss of subsidised or free school meals to children.

The association also works with other service providers and organisations, such as Derbyshire County Adult Services, to get referrals for those people requiring meals from the kitchen.

The service covers Chesterfield town centre, Hasland, Grassmoor, Hady, Spital, Brampton, Walton and Calow.

"We want to carry on with the service, but as ever it depends on funding,” Sushri said.

"We linked up with Rural Action Derbyshire for the project and we’d like to thank them and our other major funding partners.”

To find out more about the association, visit the website here where you can help with fundraising or request a meal for someone who needs it.

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