The Big Local community shop's campaign to 'Fight Holiday Hunger' has begun today.

Free lunch grab bags for children will be available on Accrington Road from Monday, 31 July.

The Big Local community shop is partnered with The Shadsworth with Whitebirk Big Local Partnership to try to stop food poverty in Blackburn.

A representative from the team said: "With the rising cost of food and energy, we believe we all need a little help from time to time and there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking this help. We are here to help anyone when and where we can. 

"Our Holiday Hunger campaign followed Marcus Rashford's plea to the government and the need for our project has grown and grown. 

"During the Easter two week holidays we supplied over 700 lunch bags, and the need was so great we expanded to offer free soup and a roll to the adults, which then expanded into our Welcome hub which operates from the community shop on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

"The project is very much appreciated by the parents, many say it is their lifeline during the school holidays not just for the lunches but for the offer of support and listening ear. 

"Our wish for the future would be no more hungry children and no more struggling families however we can't achieve that on our own, we could achieve more with the help of donations and some extra volunteers to help to make the lunch bags each day."

This is open to all children from any school and will be on a collection only basis.

The shop is open from 10am - 12pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

If your child has any allergies, The Big Local community shop ask to let them know in advance to make sure food is available for all.