'Our volunteers are everything': Wolverhampton charity kitchen serves its 100,000th resident

The group, which operates out of its founder Jan Kellond's home, has seen its capacity grow over the last four years from six people a day to more than 1,000.

It has been able to expand its operation through social media and networking, meaning food donations have increased over the months, benefitting more and more people.

And now, the incredible team have served their 100,000th customer, feeding people across the region who've been in need of a helping hand while battling through a cost of living crisis.

Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star, founder Jan, 74, said: "Unfortunately our service is still needed, and today we're delivering our 100,000th meal to a resident in the city.

"People in Wolverhampton are so wonderful, we have over 50 volunteers who are all very like-minded and want to help feed people across the region.

"We have school children doing work experience here, and volunteers that are over 80 years old. Our volunteers are brilliant, we are so grateful for the support we get from the people in our city.

"Without them we wouldn't be able to do it - charities, supermarkets, they all help us, they're amazing."

The selfless local has even committed two rooms in her home to store food - the conservatory and garage - where she packs everything to send out to those in need.

She said: "Originally we applied to be a charity, but when we applied we were told we would need an assessment policy - which is proof that the person who is asking for food really needs it.

"We didn't want to make people prove to us that they were in need, we felt that was undermining, and so made it a policy of ours that we would never make anyone do that.

"That's why we're a charitable organisation, not a registered charity."

The charitable group feeds thousands of people every week, covering as many areas as physically possible, and celebrated their 100,000th delivery by giving them extra Asda gift cards on top of the food they were already providing for them.

Jan, said: "We do this because food is essential, I taught for 40 years and saw hungry kids come to class, and it's even worse now.

"When you hear from the drivers who deliver the food, that children run over to them as soon as they pull up, it really puts it all into perspective for us.

"None of this could be done without our team, everyone that supports us is what keeps us going."