Avanti West Coast partners with Vault Youth Zone on food project

Train operator Avanti West Coast has partnered with Vault Youth Zone to launch a food resilience project supporting young people in Preston.

‘Nourish to Flourish: Building Food Resilience for Preston’s Young People’ aims to improve health, skills and opportunities for local young people through subsidised meals and practical training sessions.

Avanti will support the delivery of 50 subsidised meals and 10 free meals each day, targeting those most in need while also providing youth-led kitchen training sessions.

A total of 312 sessions will take place annually, equating to 1,404 hours of engagement each year. The programme will provide young people with practical cooking skills, nutritional knowledge and opportunities to build confidence, teamwork and employability.

Joanna Buckley, community manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We want to make a positive difference in the communities we serve, and Vault Youth Zone’s programme will help improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Preston.

“By connecting the next generation with new experiences, we hope to support those most in need while equipping them with lifelong skills.”

Both organisations say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to tackling inequality and creating opportunities for young people across Preston.