Food charity responds to wall collapsing

Local Food charity Eggcup has moved quickly to respond to last week’s incident when their Chapel Street building suffered a partial wall collapse. The incident means that the team are unable to enter the building and so cannot provide their normal service to members from there.

Eggcup rescues food which would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to those in need.

We are so grateful for the quick and flexible response from the Gregson Community Centre and St Chad’s. Thanks to them we have set up two alternative ‘pop up’ food clubs for our members in Lancaster”, said Co Managers, Rebecca Fox and Jane Attfield. “St Chad’s Church Hall will be open starting Easter Monday 6th April between 2 and 3.45pm whilst The Gregson Centre will serve members starting on Tuesday 7 April , between 2 and 3.30pm.”

Jane added, “we would like to say a big thank you to all the food clubs in the District across Lancaster Heysham and Morecambe. Without their help we would not have been able to find suitable alternative food clubs for all our Lancaster members”

Rebecca added, “Our Eggcup Volunteer team have also been amazing. They are rallying to help out wherever they can and our van drivers have been out in all weathers – with no base for a brew break! Volunteers from The Gregson Centre, Ryelands Residents Association and St Chad’s have also offered their help over the coming weeks. We’re so grateful.”

Mike Webster, Trustee Chair, said: “Our staff have responded magnificently. Once it became clear that they couldn’t use the building they immediately set about devising alternative arrangements. They have made contact with all members affected to advise them of the new plans and to support those for whom the new options might not be appropriate. I understand that Members have been really pleased to be contacted personally and a number have already signed up for the new arrangements.”

“There may be a few Eggcup members in Lancaster whom we haven’t been able to contact, perhaps because they’ve changed their phone number. They can contact us at members@eggcup.org or on 01524 928027.”

Normal service will continue for Eggcup members in Morecambe and Carnforth. In addition to providing food for its own members, Eggcup supports several other food clubs in the District with transport and infrastructure. That support will continue.

“It’s certainly been a challenging few days”, said Mike. “We’re hugely relieved that no one was injured and very grateful to the emergency services for their prompt intervention. We’d also like to thank Jo Wilkinson and her team at Lancaster City Council for their prompt and expert support and advice.”

For further information contact Rebecca Fox: Rebecca@eggcup.org