The Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership (LDFJP) has been granted charitable status, making it better able to help people facing food poverty in the district.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in the organisation’s mission to ensure everyone in the Lancaster District has access to affordable, nourishing food.
Its first major initiative as a registered charity will be the Winter Community Support Programme, launching this December and January.
This effort will offer extra food support, community meals, and access to warm spaces - especially crucial during the winter period when financial pressures and social isolation peak.
Dusty Thomas, chair of LDFJP, said: “It’s a great achievement for the Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership to become a charity.
“We will now be able to hold our own funds, enabling us to apply for larger grants that can be shared with and directly support our Food Clubs and Food Banks.”
Since its formation in 2018, the LDFJP has brought together local organisations and individuals committed to reducing food poverty across the district.
Working with its members including its two food banks and 12 member food clubs, the partnership currently supports over 1,200 households, coordinating resources and sharing best practices to address growing community needs.
However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the demand for food support has surged — just as surplus food supplies and grant funding have declined.
In response to this challenge and the expansion of its work, the LDFJP applied for charitable status to strengthen its operations and future sustainability.
Harriet Phipps, development worker for the LDFJP, added: “Becoming a charity gives us the opportunity to take a more strategic and coordinated approach to reducing food poverty across Lancaster and Morecambe.
“Last Christmas, many of our food clubs reported a sharp rise in families struggling to access food, particularly around Christmas Day.
“This year, we aim to expand our support across Lancaster and Morecambe through additional food clubs and community meals, to ensure no one goes hungry or feels alone.”
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
