City farms need help to continue families' supper club

The farms have now said donations were "urgently needed" to continue the supper clubs

Two city farms, which run supper clubs for families, urgently need support to host future events.

Windmill Hill City Farm and Hartcliffe City Farm, in Bristol, have supported 90 families at 24 clubs, where they learn how to cook healthy, low-cost meals.

Demand for the clubs has increased by 40% over the past 12 months, the farms have said.

A single-parent, who wished not to be named, said: “It's a safe and joy-filled space for them. They both eat more veg and try different dishes than they ever do at home."

The clubs aims to offer "a warm, welcoming space for families struggling in the face of the current financial crisis".

Windmill Hill City Farm has already secured funding to run another 10 supper clubs this autumn, but bosses are asking for further donations to continue throughout the winter.

A spokesperson for the farm said: “There is a lovely sense of community within the group.

The supper clubs were attended by more than 90 Bristolian famililies

“Over 15 families have attended the Windmill City Farm events, enthusiastically taking part in the creative activities, trying and making new foods like vegetarian chilli, guacamole, sweet potato and chickpea curry.

"As the group has grown, and become more established, we’re seeing new friendships developing that would not have happened without the supper club," they added.

Hartcliffe City Farm’s supper club group leader Roisin Soares said some families come each week.

"One working mother and says it’s an amazing way to engage positively with her three children as she doesn’t have to struggle with cooking and shopping for food as well as trying to talk to her children.

“The children have helped with picking vegetables, such as peas and salads to use in the cooking," she added.