Pasty makers in Cornwall new initiative to tackle food poverty
The new initiative is raising money during Cornish Pasty Week
Pasty makers across Cornwall have been joining together to tackle food poverty.
The new initiative, as part of Cornish Pasty Week, has been donating money from every Cornish pasty sold during the week.
The Cornwall Pasty Association have already pledged over £14,000 for Devon & Cornwall Food Action as part of the Cornish Pasty Community Fund.
Jason Jobling, CPA Chairman, said: "For generations the Cornish pasty has been an inherent part of our culture and heritage in this part of the world and, with many people facing difficult challenges right now, this feels like an important moment to show how much the Cornish pasty community can do to support those in need.
"It's fantastic, all the pasty producers have got on board. It's going to make a huge difference and the people of Cornwall and Devon, we're going to give something huge back".
The suggested donation per Cornish pasty sold has been 1p and every penny raised will go towards Devon & Cornwall Food Action.
St Piran's Day on Sunday 5 March marks the end of Cornish Pasty Week - and is an annual initiative to celebrate Cornwall's heritage, community and economy.
Jason added: "We want this year's Cornish Pasty Week to focus on supporting Cornish families in need. This year with the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, we thought the humble Cornish pasty could help feed people in a different way.
"I think we've stumbled upon a formula that might work, people are willing to contribute and help, we're hoping to do similar each year".
Devon & Cornwall Food Action receives 10 - 15 tons of donated products a week including fresh, frozen food and household products with the aim to provide affordable food for those experiencing food poverty across Cornwall and Devon.
The money raised through the Cornwall Pasty Association will go towards expanding the charities reach in Cornwall, with the charity currently delivering to one area a week, covering St. Ives, Hayle, Falmouth, Camborne and Redruth.
Alan Dunne, Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Food Action added: "It is great to work with the Cornish Pasty Association during Cornish Pasty Week and we are enormously grateful for the funds already pledged.
"With this money we will be able to reach even more families facing food poverty in Cornwall".
You can find more information on their website.