A charity supplying families in need with food parcels has received a boost.

Dorchester Family Support has been awarded £1,500 from Dorset Council's Community and Culture Project Fund.

The charity provides support to families in the Dorchester area who receive free school meals during term time but receive no help during the school holidays.

John Weir, a trustee of the charity, said: "Our method of support has changed over the years but now focuses on food parcels - fresh and dried goods - during the summer holidays and a special parcel at Christmas.

"We have continued during Covid, but our personal contact with the families has been limited. Also, during Covid there has been some support to the families from central and local government.

"This summer we supported 136 families - around 400 children - with parcels each week for four weeks."

Launched in April this year, the Community and Culture Project Fund offers grants between £1,000 and £5,000 for arts, museums, heritage, community, physical and play activities to make a difference to people living in Dorset's communities.

Councillor Jill Haynes, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: "I'm very pleased the council can offer these small grants, despite continued pressure on our budgets.

"We've chosen to give these projects a boost because we recognise they will make a real difference to communities in Dorset and help the council meet the priorities that have been set out Dorset Council plan 2020-2024."

The second round of the Community and Culture Project Fund will open on November 1 and £65,000 will be up for grabs.

Applicants can email [email protected] if they wish to discuss eligibility.

Find more information, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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