FUNDRAISING is underway to open a “community hub” in Falmouth to help people in the area living under the poverty line.

Community Heart, founded by Robin Markland, of Falmouth, is aiming to take over a shop space in the town where people who need it can come and get healthy food from a community fridge.

Local supermarkets have already agreed to donate food to the cause.

Robin said: “Forty per cent of children in some areas of Falmouth are living below the poverty line. How can a child properly access education if they go to school hungry?

“The community fridge will be clear to see with a glass front. I want to make sure that healthy food is available all the time so if I can see a lack of healthy food, I can take revenue from the shop to buy healthy food to put back in.

“The ideal space would have three rooms. One for holistic therapy, one for a community cafe where we serve drinks at a low price to combat loneliness, so people don’t feel so isolated and one for the shop.

“It will also cut down on food waste which means less food in landfill. This also means less carbon emissions."

"This will be everyone's community hub, where other groups can use the space for their own projects when needed. The community fridge element will be available to everyone, and those using it knowing that they are contrubuting to cutting down on food waste."

A community fridge differs from a foodbank because people in need can access it whenever they need it, whereas foodbanks only typically supply one person with nine days’ worth of food a year.

Robin also operates an award-winning charity Warmth for The Homeless, which supplies homeless people in the area with vital supplies such as sleeping bags and clothing.

He added: “I operate from my flat and communicate with the homeless on a daily basis, so I know what they need.

“I then use social media to reach out to people for donations and they bring supplies to my flat. I sort it and make sure its clean then distribute it to those that need it.

“Once the hub is open, members of the public will be able to drop off supplies at a sensible time and place.”

“We will be cutting down on food waste and fabric waste. Incinerating fabric waste pollutes the atmosphere and costs the council a lot of money so we will be saving money and bringing the community together.”

Robin is also organising a fundraising exhibition on April 27 at The Poly in Falmouth.

Named Art of Rebellion, he said it is “inspired by the natural world and the visual spectacle of the rebelling against climate change".

Community Heart is looking for support and funding, with a Crowdfunder going live soon.

It will also be planting thousands of trees in Cornwall, with proceeds generated from donated items in the fundraising shop element.

If you wish to show your support and find out more you can find them on Commmunity Heart facebook page or www.communityheart.org.uk