As the opening date for a Norwich market stall dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged adults creeps closer, the social enterprise behind the bid is on the lookout for volunteers to get the project off the ground.
The Feed, which offers coaching and employment opportunities in catering to the homeless, launched a crowdfunding page in January to raise £20,000.
This would allow them to trade from the stall and would help disadvantaged local people learn new skills, find accommodation and move away from their lives of homelessness.
Now, that target has been met, and organisers are getting ready to roll up the shutters on their new venture.
Enterprise and employment officer Georgina Finn said: 'The response has been phenomenal, within less than four weeks of the campaign we had hit our target.
'Now with a staggering £20,860 we are ready to open our shutters and invite the lovely people of Norwich to swing by our stall for a delicious ciabatta with a side of friendly banter.'
And she said they wanted people to get involved behind the counter too.
She added: 'By volunteering on the market stall you will be helping us support even more people in Norwich who face disadvantage. All of our profits will be invested back into supporting even more people, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase 'feel-good food'.'
Last year LEAP - of which The Feed is part of - worked with 173 adults, many of whom faced homelessness, suffered with mental health and battled with drug and alcohol addictions.
Many have now secured employment, moved into their own independent accommodation and reported an increase in self-esteem and the skills they want to achieve in life.
One client was Rob Sampson, who this time last year was sleeping rough in the market. Now, he may soon help to run the market stall.
Mr Sampson said: 'The Feed and LEAP have helped me realise I can reach my goals, with determination and their support I am now living a life I want to.'
• The stall, in row 24/25, open on March 29. To apply to be a volunteer, visit leap4.typeform.com/to/FG9Tea
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