I’m incredibly concerned to hear that Eggcup, one of Lancaster’s largest community food outlets is at risk of closure.

From the support offered to our city’s most vulnerable residents to their commitment to reducing food waste, I know that the loss of this vital service would be felt across out community, and so I’m calling on the city council to act swiftly and do everything within its power to ensure the charity’s viability and survival.

Their weekly food scheme helps people to save money on food, and the food distribution charity rely on membership funds and external funding. Eggcup has saved 299 tonnes of food waste this year alone, provided over 700,000 meals, and saved residents £28,047 on food through their work.

We know that charities face an extremely challenging environment in securing funding. I’m pleased that in the Budget the government committed to extending the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, whilst announcing a new social impact investment vehicle which will bring together socially motivated investors, the voluntary sector and government to tackle complex social problems, led by the chief secretary to the Treasury, working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

I have written to the chief executive of Lancaster City Council today asking them to urgently review the situation and extend any support they can offer to save this service for residents.