Axminster-based Project Food has been keeping busy during the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring that local people have the fresh and healthy food they need.

Formerly known as Health and Local Food for Families or HALFF, the charity helps people, especially the vulnerable, disadvantaged or isolated, to cook healthy food for themselves and their families, with the aim of improving both physical and mental health.

As well as holding regular cookery lessons and demonstrations, the charity runs a shop and garden in Axminster, selling inexpensive fruit and vegetables, which also acts as an information hub for people needing nutritional advice and support.

The charity had to cancel all group and one-to-one cookery lessons and workshops due to the coronavirus restrictions, but the team have still been working hard behind the scenes to support the local community.

Project Food has been reaching out to those who find it difficult to get out in Axminster and surrounding towns and villages, including Seaton, Colyton, Lyme Regis and Sidmouth.

Working with River Cottage and the Lyme Regis-based Monmouth Pantry, the charity has made 112 deliveries of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk and volunteers have prepared more than 200 healthy ready meals.

Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall from River Cottage has even been helping out with local deliveries.

Project Food has also been supporting a women's refuge by providing meals and fruit and vegetable boxes, and empowering the women to have a go at growing their own lettuces and tomatoes.

Project Food has also been holding vital cookery lessons and demonstrations via video conferencing app Zoom.

Full details on the delivery service and virtual sessions are available on the Project Food website. The charity has also launched an online fundraising appeal to support its work during the coronavirus pandemic, and you can donate online by clicking here.