A tasty new food initiative is making sure everyone in a Sunderland neighbourhood can enjoy a Friday night takeaway treat.
It has been launched by Hope4All CIC, the community project based at St Thomas’ Church in Pennywell, which works to eradicate food poverty, deprivation and isolation.
Every Friday evening, fresh pizzas are baked on site with a variety of toppings. They are sold from 4pm to 6pm along with weekly specials, which include fish and chips, and Chinese-inspired salt and pepper chicken.
The takeaway meals are available at heavily discounted prices (£3 for pizzas and varied specials), to make them an affordable option for people on limited incomes.
“It has proven to be very popular so far,” said Gemma Fisher, Community Development Worker at Hope4All CIC. “Quite often we are selling out of pizzas and they are reaching people who might not otherwise be able to treat themselves to a takeaway on a Friday evening.”
The takeaway service complements Hope4All’s other in-house offerings, including a foodbank and a community café and shop. Cafe4All and Shop4All offer healthy meals, groceries and everyday essential items at heavily discounted prices.
Run by a member of staff, the takeaway is also supported by a dedicated team of valued volunteers. Gemma said the work experience gained in the Hope4All kitchen will stand them in good stead when applying for jobs.
It’s a responsible role, with allergies and food intolerances catered for. All ingredients used are written down for customers to read. Any leftover takeaway food is boxed and sold as ready meals in the shop the following day.
Gemma added: “The takeaway is open for all. Every penny it raises goes back in so we can buy more food and keep providing meals. Thanks to all who have supported us so far.”
The scheme has been supported by the charity Feeding Britain, which has provided funding for a member of staff and to purchase pizza ovens.
Hope4All was established during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, at a time when church attendances were low and the rates of foodbank clients were high. Since then it has worked to reduce long-term dependency on foodbanks by promoting wellbeing, sustainability and recycling within he community.
Hope4All was busy supporting children during the summer holidays, providing hot meals and a wide range of activities, including bowling and abseiling.