March couple feed people who were 'eating dog food'

A mother and daughter who provide meals for people in need say they have seen a huge leap in demand.

Caroline Dove, 61, and Becky Ward, 30, run Caroline's Hot Food service from Ms Dove's kitchen in March, Cambridgeshire.

Ms Ward said one elderly woman told them she was buying dog food to eat due to the cost of living crisis.

The pair use their own money to fund the meals.

Since starting making meals in 2022 they have seen a rise in families with young children coming to them for food, as well as elderly people.

Ms Dove said she was inspired to start the service after caring for her late mother.

"She didn't have a lot; she had enough to get by; I just thought I want to give something back, because we are all hitting hard times," she said.

"As long as I have enough to get by myself, and my grandkids, what else do I need?

"I always say I'm not giving them a handout, I'm giving them a hand up until they can support themselves."

On Wednesdays and Fridays, Ms Dove cooks 70-150 portions, depending on demand, costing her and her daughter about £90.

Ms Ward said it was difficult to watch people struggle, but it spurred them on.

"It's just seeing people starving and not being able to eat," she said.

"One of my elderly ladies was actually buying dog food because it was cheaper than human food.

"It's the reality some people are living. Some mums are buying one tin of beans between three kids.

"It can be heartbreaking going to houses and children will tell you they are hungry or the elderly say they've not eaten for days because they had to put the heating on because they were so cold."

Sharon Elliot receives meals from Caroline's Hot Food after limited mobility left it difficult for her to cook her own meals.

She said Ms Dove and Ms Ward were "guardian angels" who do "remarkable" work.

Connor Clarke, 19, travels by bus from Wisbech to pick up meals for himself.

"I reached out because with the cost of living crisis everything's going through the roof and Caroline provides really good hot food," he said.

"If it weren't for her I'd probably do the food bank. They are going out of their way to make sure they are giving back to the community."

The Food Standards Agency has given Caroline's Hot Food a five-star hygiene rating.

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