Grassroots groups have received £275,000 in grants to help families stay warm and fed in the colder months thanks to a partnership between Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council.

The BCP Food and Energy Support Fund distributes money allocated to the council from the government’s Household Support Fund.

Almost 50 voluntary groups and charities have been funded to provide food boxes, community meals, cookery workshops, cooking equipment, shopping vouchers, warm spaces, employment support, debt advice and a range of other help.

Among the recipients is Bournemouth Community Church, which will use a £9,000 grant to provide families with fresh fruit and veg and meat vouchers and run its weekly Time for Tea community meals.

Community engagement pastor Andy Driscoll said families identified by the church’s foodbank are invited in for a meal once a week, where its team get more of a chance to get to know and help them.

“We also have a number of wraparound support partners that work with us, such as Citizens Advice and Community Money Advice from Faithworks Wessex,” he said.

“And we have been very successful in helping people get housing, help with visa applications and all kinds of difficulties in their lives.

“Initially it was just a family meal, but then it turned into a bit of a community, so they’re all getting together and helping each other.

“We have one or two volunteers that come and do some games with the kids so the parents can get together as well.

“Our costs are high, so this grant is amazingly helpful.”

Christchurch Community Partnership will use its £5,600 grant to expand two weekly lunch clubs and a Sunday roast lunch for older people.

Its club at Homelands in Christchurch attracts around 30 people a week, but trustee Sandra Prudom said the club will bus in more people from Mudeford and Burton to grow the number to more than 45.

The group took over a lunch club at Greystones in Highcliffe last year and launched a weekly Sunday Roast at Somerford ARC.

“The grant is essential, because although we do charge for the lunches, we try to keep it to a minimum so we don’t exclude anyone,” she said.

“Everyone who comes along gets a nutritious balanced meal and also has the social interaction of meeting other people, which is just as important.”

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “We understand the value of supporting projects within our local communities as often they already have contact with those in need in their local area and are best placed to provide vital support.

“We’re committed to ensuring our residents have access to food and energy support and supporting these worthy community initiatives is a key part of working towards this.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all those involved in these community projects, especially those that volunteer their time, for your continued hard work and dedication to helping those in need.”

Grant Robson, chief executive of Dorset Community Foundation, added: “Each of the 47 projects we’ve funded is making a real difference to the communities on their doorstep.

“We’re certain that, thanks to the support of BCP Council and the brilliant work being done by these groups, people will be warmer, eat better and feel more hopeful by being made to feel part of their community.”

• dorsetcommunityfoundation.org