Bristol Mazi Project celebrates three year anniversary

The Mazi Project is celebrating its three-year anniversary

A youth-led charity empowering people through food said it was celebrating an "incredible" three year milestone of "breaking the cycle of food poverty".

Bristol's Mazi Project supports disadvantaged 16 to 25-year-olds.

Founder Melanie Vaxevanakis said it had grown "crazily" fast and wanted to celebrate the wins of bringing people together through food and "love".

Nikkita Berry, 20, said the project's food boxes helped when she did not have enough money.

It supports people through its meal boxes with an aim to tack food insecurity.

"I probably wouldn't have access to healthier food without them too," Ms Berry said.

Ms Berry said the project gives her access to healthy food

"There has been times where I haven't had enough money for food and the Mazi boxes tie me through to the next pay day.

"Mazi is a Greek name and it means together."

Ms Vaxevanakis said the project was born "from anger" and has struggled through "an uphill battle" for funding to continue.

"For everyone who works in this industry and sector you need to celebrate the wins, working for a charity were you're giving out nearly 3,000 meals a month is not cheap or easy," she said.

"Food is important to me and everyone should have equal access to it, it should be a human right and our project shouldn't even exist.

Ms Vaxevanakis said it is important to "celebrate the wins" whilst funding is difficult to secure

"It is hard working in an environment where our government doesn't care to break the perpetual cycle of poverty people suffer from."

In response to concerns around food poverty, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said in Wednesday's Budget announcement more funds would be made available for those in need.

"The Household Support Fund, which allows local councils to help families via food banks, warm spaces and food vouchers, will be extended beyond 31 March," he added.

"It will continue for six months."

Ms Vaxevanakis, 27, added: "Turning three is an incredible milestone and goes hand in hand with us securing our own premises in South Bristol and even getting our very own Mazi branded van."

Their new community kitchen in Bedminster opens in June and a fundraising event to celebrate the project's anniversary takes place at Left Handed Giant on 27 March.

The charity provides free food boxes and food projects to people in need with support from local restaurants