CASH-STARVED Halton Food Co-op which provided cut-price fresh fruit and vegetables to hundreds of adults and children has been forced to close.
Dedicated staff failed to secure a lottery bid - ironically as Halton was declared one of Britain's top obesity blackspots.
"Everyone is gutted," said project manager Graham Crewe, who supplied produce to 68 schools, nurseries, residential homes, Halton Haven, the disabled and housebound.
"We bought first class produce daily fresh from the market and everyone said we provided a good service.
"We've got refrigerated premises, purpose-built vehicles and lots of customers. A little bit of help would have kept us going. It's heartbreaking."
Takings soared from £200 a week to £200,000 a year since the project was launched four years ago.
"We were making £50,000 a year profit," said Graham. "Our idea was to buy a second mobile shop, increase our deliveries to Widnes and Runcorn and take on more staff."
Disabled Beryl Roberts, of The Croft, a customer from day one, said: "I'm really disappointed. It's a struggle for me to carry heavy shopping."
Arthritic Lynne Longman, of Windmill Hill, who is losing her eyesight, said: "It's very awkward for me to go to the shops. These lads were absolutely fantastic.
"They never missed a week and nothing was too much trouble."
Graham and his staff sacrificed their wages, they were so confident the service would be saved. He said: "We've taken no wages for three months. We'll keep the van for a few weeks just in case someone comes forward, otherwise we'll have to sell everything."
Schools were receiving fresh produce daily at half the price commercial companies charge, he said.
"Schools were getting more for their money and children were benefiting," said Graham.
Chris Patino, responsible for Halton Council's school meals service, said: "The Food Co-op provided an excellent service and we would have been happy to go on using them had they been in a position to continue."
Ironically, the Government this week announced it will be helping to increase the capacity of small and local producers to ensure pupils receive two portions of fruit and veg every day.
"It may be worth the Co-op contacting DEFRA to see if there would be any support available," said Mr Patino.
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