"Support us or lose us": Urgent appeal from Blackpool’s Big Food Project as it risks closure

Known as the ‘foodbank of food banks’, the emergency food charity could face closure without support from local businesses and the community to keep its services running this winter.

A vital lifeline to 120 foodbanks, schools, community kitchens, crisis services and families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, the Big Food Project urgently needs money to keep its trucks on the road, its warehouse open and food reaching those who need it most.

Despite the incredible support of many volunteers, The Big Food Project needs funding to operate its three trucks, warehouse and small team of staff which enables the teams to provide over 17,000 meals every week.

To meet this challenge head-on, the charity is launching two fundraising campaigns: The Big Food Project’s Festive Feed and The Big Food Project’s 26 for ’26.

Chief Executive, Claire Powell said: "We are the foodbank of foodbanks - the main distributor of surplus and donated food across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. We believe that no child should go hungry and nobody should have to choose between heating and eating - this is happening every single day in our town and we are the lifeline to those experiencing extreme poverty.

“Like many charities, we’re experiencing a tough funding period - but our mission hasn’t changed. We’re determined to keep supporting the incredible network of community organisations’ that rely on us, and getting food to those in critical need.

“Our work has ripple effects beyond providing immediate relief and we are hoping that with the support of local people and businesses, we can bridge this gap.

“However, without securing vital funding in the next few months to pay for our basic operating costs, it will be difficult to see how we can continue.

“We know the difference our work makes to people every single day. This appeal isn’t just about saving a charity - it’s about protecting the entire food support network across our area. Every donation helps keep that lifeline alive.”

The Big Food Project’s Festive Feed: no one should go hungry at Christmas.

• The Festive Feast - £40: Help a family enjoy a hearty Christmas meal together. Your donation supports the supply of generous food parcels that bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most.
• The Festive Table - £20: Help bring a little extra cheer to a family’s festive table - supporting the delivery of good food and comfort this Christmas.
• The Festive Treat - £10: Contribute towards smaller but meaningful touches that can make Christmas feel special - comforting snacks, warm drinks and festive favourites.
• The Festive Spirit - £5: Every donation counts. Help us keep our warehouse running, volunteers supported and deliveries rolling across the Fylde Coast this Christmas.

Donations can be made online at: https://thebigfoodproject.co.uk/the-big-festive-feed/

The Big Food Project’s 26 for ‘26

A call for 26 local businesses to stand with the Big Food Project and secure the future of food support across the Fylde coast.

• Gold Partner: £5,000+
• Silver Partner: £2,500+
• Bronze Partner: £1,000+
• Community Partner: £500+

For more information please visit: https://thebigfoodproject.co.uk/26-for-26/

More about The Big Food Project

The Big Food Project has been serving the community for 15 years and provides the following services:

• The BIG Food Truck: Weekly deliveries of affordable fruit, vegetables and store cupboard items to four community hubs:, Layton Methodist Church, Blackpool FC and Claremont First Step Community Centre.
• Crisis Support: Available to those in immediate need, often identified by front line workers and partner agencies.
• Foodbanks, schools and community organisations: Deliver surplus and donated food to foodbanks and community kitchens

Volunteers collect food from multiple locations across the Fylde and beyond; the teams store and sort donations at the charity’s warehouse on the Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool.

As reported by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Blackpool website on 30th October 2025:

• Blackpool continues to be ranked as the most deprived local authority in England on both the rank and score measures.
• Ten of the 20 most deprived areas in England are in Blackpool (down from 12 in 2019).
• Almost two-fifths (38%) of adults in Blackpool are living in one of the 10% most income deprived areas in England.
• Just over a quarter (26%) of adults in Blackpool are living in one of the 10% most employment deprived areas in England.
• Blackpool ranks as the 14th most deprived local authority in terms of income deprivation which affects children.
• Blackpool is the 28th most deprived local authority in terms of income deprivation which affects older adults.

For more information about The Big Food Project’s Festive Feed and The Big Food Project’s 26 for ’26 visit www.bigfoodproject.co.uk