MEMBERS of the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust are demonstrating that the club isn’t just about football as they start to help out at an affordable food hub.

Carlisle Community Help has set up a network of hubs across the city to address the issue that affects many people in the area.

The hubs allow people in need to choose from a list of items but only pay a low set price each week.

Availability depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of stock that can be bought, but residents who use the hub will have their shop topped up with donated surplus food.

The organisation has built up relationships with local producers, who are able to supply reduced priced, locally made, food to offer for sale.

Its policy states that local food is vital for both the local economy and to help climate change by reducing the 'food miles'.

The sports trust's manager John Halpin said: “So many people are struggling in so many different ways at the moment, and we’ve identified this as another way we can do our bit for our local community.

“We’ll be volunteering at the affordable food hub on Mondays and Wednesdays for the foreseeable future.

“I would urge anyone who feels they may need this service to look at the website.

"All of the details are on there and, like I say, it’s just fantastic that we’re able to do something like this during what is a really strange and tough period for everyone.”

In September the News & Star reported on a Carlisle food hub launch to support families and individuals on low income and benefits.

Set up by the Carlisle Community Help group, it offers a food parcel filled with products chosen by the person who has ordered it for a small weekly fee that is lower than general retail price.

At the time Lisa Brown, project and campaigns co-ordinator, said: "They pay a small fee for a set amount of food each week so it's to help them out with the weekly shopping, it doesn't replace that.

"It's just to give a hand to anybody that might be struggling with all their bills and shopping as well."

For more information on food hubs go online to: www.carlislecommunityhelp.co.uk/

Phone 07394 546 877 or email: info@carlislecommunityhelp.co.uk