Free community Christmas meals return to Skegness and Wainfleet with open invitation to all
Tables will be laid, kettles on and a warm welcome waiting this week as free Christmas community meals return to Wainfleet Methodist Church and The Storehouse in Skegness, offering food, friendship and companionship to anyone who needs it.
The first meal takes place tomorrow at Wainfleet Methodist Church, followed by a second sitting on Thursday at The Storehouse, Skegness. Together, the two events are expected to welcome more than 200 guests, all sitting down to enjoy a freshly prepared hot meal in friendly surroundings.
The food is supplied by Buckingham Emergency Foods, a charity that provides hundreds of meals every week to people who are struggling, lonely or simply in need of a little extra support across the region. Their work ensures that no one has to go without a decent meal — especially at this time of year.
In both towns, the meals will be lovingly prepared and served by teams of dedicated volunteers. Guests are invited to enjoy not just the food, but the chance to chat, share stories and spend time in the company of others.
The Skegness Standard first introduced the free community meals to the area ten years ago, helping to bring together charities, churches and volunteers to tackle food poverty and isolation locally. Since then, the project has grown from strength to strength, with the volunteer teams now proudly running the meals themselves.
Organisers say the aim has always been simple: to provide a safe, welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and kindness — no questions asked.
“These meals are about more than food,” one volunteer said. “They’re about community, conversation and making sure people know they’re not alone.”
Both venues are well known for their warm atmosphere. Whether someone is facing hardship, feeling isolated, or just in need of a friendly meal and a smile, they will be welcomed with open arms.
As winter sets in and the cost of living continues to bite, the importance of these community meals has never been clearer. Thanks to the generosity of Buckingham Emergency Foods and the tireless efforts of local volunteers, Skegness and Wainfleet are once again showing the very best of community spirit.