A FREE hot meal and warm place specifically for over-50s is being made available this winter.

The North Paddington Foodbank is running the project thanks to a funding boost from the city council.

The food bank in Goldney Road runs a fund that hands out cash and supermarket vouchers to people who need it.

Organiser Thomas Delap said: “We see a lot of people who are living alone and struggling to pay their heating bills, so this project gets people out of the house and they can spend all day at North Paddington Foodbank if they like.

“We moved to a cash-first approach in 2021 because we know that giving cash and supermarket vouchers offers people a choice and dignity when they are struggling financially. The council’s support is going straight into that fund so we can give people the support they need, on their terms.”

Other food aid services are being set up in Westminster libraries, Westbourne Park Baptist Church, The Abbey Centre, Emmanuel Church and Mary Smith’s Pantry.

The council say the Winter in the City programme – that includes activities like cooking classes and pilates – is possible thanks to a £19million cost of living package. It is believed that 31,000 households in Westminster are struggling to pay bills and buy food.

Finance lead councillor David Boothroyd, pictured at the food bank, said: “We know that a quarter of our residents in Westminster are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and that is why we are stepping in to support as many people as we can, once again, this winter.”

Details about free events and warm venues can be found on the council’s website. www.westminster.gov.uk