A Blackpool food charity that was facing potential closure has been handed a crucial lifeline meaning it can stay open and continue to support families in need.
Power network operator SP Electricity North West stepped forward with a new partnership and funding after learning The Big Food Project was on the brink of closure.
Bosses from the region’s power network operator recognised the charity’s critical role and have now provided the emergency funding which will translate to roughly 36,000 meals.
Stephanie Trubshaw, SP Electricity North West’s chief operating officer, said: “We’ve got various partnerships to support residents in our area with energy saving advice and when we learnt that The Big Food Project was facing potential closure, we wanted to step in and provide support.
“The Big Food Project is a lifeline to families and our teams will work closely with the foodbank while also promoting the other services we provide which may be of benefit.”
The new partnership, which will run throughout 2026, will see SP Electricity North West promote its Extra Care Register, a free service which provides extra support to those who need additional help during a power cut. The network will also promote its Take Charge referral service, working with Citizens Advice to provide free help, advice and support to those in fuel poverty to take charge of their energy bills.
Blackpool South, and Blackpool North and Cleveleys have fuel poverty rates of 21.4 per cent and 16.1 per cent respectively compared to the North West average of 14.4 per cent.
“Our Take Charge campaign has provided support to 65,000 customers, providing savings of more than £25m for people across the North West,” added Trubshaw.
“As the region’s power network operator, we’re in a unique position to help customers when they reach out for support. Our trained call handlers have the expertise to assist people and connect them with the various partners we work with.
“We don’t want anybody struggling, particularly with energy debt, and I want people to know we are here to help, regardless of who you pay your bill to.”
The Big Food Project is a redistributor of surplus food from supermarkets and manufacturers to 125 foodbanks, schools, community kitchens, crisis services and families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.
Last month, in just one week, it provided 17,600 meals out of its warehouse and on average provides 50 tonnes of food a month.
SP Electricity North West’s crucial donation will help provide tens of thousands of meals along with keeping the doors to the warehouse open.
Claire Powell, CEO of not-for-profit The Big Food Project, said: “This incredibly generous donation means we can keep our doors open and provide thousands of meals across the Fylde coast over Christmas and into 2026, however, we do still need more donations to help keep us going.
“We want to keep providing support and we have the utmost gratitude towards SP Electricity North West.”
