BeanBlock, in St Mark's Place, Newark, launches Pay It Forward scheme to ensure people don't go without

A family-oriented café is ensuring the community doesn't go without by cooking and delivering nutritious meals, writes Courtney McLaven.

BeanBlock, in St Mark's Place, Newark, has launched a Pay It Forward scheme to help out children and families who have fallen on hard times during the coronavirus pandemic.

The project sees customers purchase food or drink as a donation for someone who may really need it.

Co-owners Aliki Allen and Cate Martin decided to pay it forward after seeing pictures of the shocking free school meal parcels some families were receiving.

"We decided to use the pay it forward funds to provide families in need with a hot meal," said Aliki.

“As a Community Interest Company, we’re always looking for ways to support our local community, especially those in need.

“It’s been hard work as it’s only myself and my business partner cooking as all our staff are on furlough, but we’re determined to provide meals to 100 families by the end of lockdown.

“This lockdown is hard enough on people without having to worry about how you are going to feed your children.”

Some of the dishes on offer include lasagne, cottage pie, fish pie and delicious desserts.

As well as their shoppers donating, local businesses have also been supporting the cause.

These include Buttercross Estate Agents, Brand Newark, Bright and Beautiful Grantham and APT Legal.

Aliki said: “We would like to thank them as without them this wouldn’t be possible.

"We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our customers and when local companies started donating, that’s when we saw the donation pot growing considerably.

“One business even came back to make a second donation when they heard what the money was being used for.”

If you are struggling and think you would benefit from the scheme, or would like to pay a meal forward, please contact BeanBlock at www.beanblock.co.uk/contact-us