Westhoughton : Free packed lunches as cost of living rises

The idea was inspired by Cllr Chris Hill’s parents Bev Hill and Dad Aaron Hill.

He says that growing up with three brothers made him realise what went into making sure they had packed lunches.

With his mum being a dinner lady for a few years he says she saw some of the “less well-off kids having mouldy bread or bread and butter”.

He added: “Without my mum and dad none of this would be possible.

“They truly are my inspiration and idols.

"So, this is to help the families that are struggling.

“The community has gone through a lot over the last couple of years, and everyone is just trying to get by.

The packed lunches made up (Image: Councillor)

“Hopefully this can help people left behind, so they can have the same quality of life everyone should be entitled to.”

Cllr Hill said that some families that have signed up to it have had to ask neighbours for help, not knowing how they are going to manage as costs keep rising.

He added: “This lady was very grateful because she wasn’t sure how she was going to manage.

“Last week, someone sent their girls to school with a sandwich with bread and butter and one piece of ham.

“She was crying because she couldn’t give them anything proper.”

Cllr Hill with his mum Bev Hill (Image: Public)

The packed lunches will include a sandwich, yoghurt, crisp or a biscuit, and some fruit, with much of the food being donated from the former mayor's aid Sally Hayes.

Lunches will be initially be provided until November 29, but that could be extended.

Cllr Hill added: “If people need it, we will provide it for as long as we are able to, for as many people as we can.”

The Westhoughton One Stop shop has already helped top up gas and electric for those finding it hard.

Contact Cllr Hill on 07850 599488 or contact the Westhoughton One Stop shop on Facebook for more information or to sign up.

Once signed up, collections can be made every morning from Tuesday-Friday between 8am and 9am at Westhoughton One Stop shop.

Read More:

• Warburtons drivers vote in favour of strike action
• Man illegally worked in hospital during pandemic
• Bolton artist draws on shop windows for Christmas
• Bolton children classed as obese rises

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.