A BRADFORD charity has increased the level of care it provides to homeless and vulnerable people in the city through Tesco's Community Food Connection scheme.

The Immanuel Project, a voluntary organisation, offers those on the streets of Bradford a place to go for a warm meal.

The project is open on a Monday and Wednesday and collects surplus food like bread, pastries, plus fruit and vegetables, through the Tesco initiative.

Debbie Skowronski, from the project, based on Chester Street, said: “Signing up to Tesco’s Community Food Connection scheme has meant we have been able to save funds that would have otherwise been spent on food costs, and reinvest into developing additional services to support and care for vulnerable people in Bradford.

"We originally started The Immanuel Project as a 12-week programme 11 years ago and now support almost 300 people a week, with this number increasing all the time.

"It’s incredibly important to us that our guests know they are valued and cared for, and the help we receive from Tesco is paramount to this success.”

She added: "We have a great team of volunteers with diverse backgrounds who help us do what we do.

"Over the years we’ve created an impactful community hub for our guests and believe success stems from healthy food and a warm, loving, caring environment.”

“Based in the centre of Bradford on Chester Street we offer a space for people who feel isolated to come together and spend time with others. We’re only a small charity but this is a lifeline for many lonely people in the community, which makes a huge difference.”

Nicola MacKay, Community Food Programmes Manager for Tesco, added: “The work The Immanuel Project undertakes in the community is nothing short of remarkable.

"The number of people they have already helped through their outreach programme is fantastic and we are delighted to be working with the charity to help provide better care to vulnerable people in the area.”