Over 900 meals delivered to vulnerable people in Chichester
The Lunch Club was set up to support older, lonely and vulnerable in the city
Last updated 30th Apr 2021
Over 900 hot meals were delivered to older, vulnerable and lonely people in Chichester between January and March this year.
The Friday Lunch Club was launched by the Sussex Pub Company during the pandemic to support anyone feeling isolated across the various lockdowns.
In return, recipients of the meals are asked for a voluntary donation to be made to the project’s partners: Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery.
The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Nick and his team for the work they have done over the past few months – and to those who so kindly a made donation to the Cathedral. Many have been experiencing isolation and loneliness as a result of the pandemic, and we are delighted to have been able to support this project.”
Director of Pallant House Gallery, Simon Martin, said: “The lockdown has been a difficult time for many of the older and vulnerable in Chichester, and we were so pleased that the Pallant House Gallery Café has been able to bring delicious meals to so many in the city. We are grateful to all of the volunteers and to those who have made donations to support the Gallery's community work. We look forward welcoming everyone back when the Gallery and Café reopen on 18th May.”
Director of the Sussex Pub Company, Nick Sutherland, said: “This is not the end for the Lunch Club. As our volunteers return to work, the service will now be offered solely through Pallant House Gallery Café and has been renamed to the ‘Friday Supper Club’. This change means that it will now be a paid service rather than a donation, opening up to all residents in Chichester, regardless of age or circumstance – meaning more people can enjoy restaurant quality hot meals at home.