A farm charity for adults with learning disabilities has received an almost £8,000 donation.
The Boaz Project, based at Hill Farm in Sutton Scotney, received the substantial donation of £7,899 from NFU Mutual Winchester, Alton and Wickham after staff spent a day volunteering at the farm.
Kate Prewett and Vicky Keeper presented the cheque to the charity after their volunteering day, which included gardening and caring for the animals alongside the members.
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Kate said: "From the moment we arrived, Vicky and I were made to feel like part of the family and delighted to lend a hand with a variety of activities, including gardening, caring for the animals and spending time with the inspiring individuals who attend the day service.
"The experience was both rewarding and uplifting, highlighting the incredible sense of community and care that the Boaz Project embodies."
This recent contribution from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund follows a previous grant of £25,000 from Test Valley Borough Council.
The funds are being put towards creating a commercial-style kitchen at the farm.
The planned improved kitchen will boast a new layout, cooker, standalone larder and cold storage area.
It will also have larger, energy-efficient appliances, stainless-steel surfaces and worktops, updated flooring, along with improved lighting and heating.
The kitchen is a central part of daily life at Boaz. Members are supported tor cook fresh, healthy lunches from allotment produce and prepare meals for their families.
Surplus produce is frozen, made into jams or chutneys, or sold to volunteers on site.
Stuart Palmer, the general manager of the Boaz Project, said: "We are incredibly grateful to both the NFU Winchester and Test Valley Borough Council.
"Our members take great pride in growing, preparing and sharing food together and the new kitchen will make that process safer, easier and more enjoyable.
"Most importantly, it will help us support members to build confidence, independence and valuable life skills."
He added: "We hope that by helping people gain confidence in a kitchen that mirrors a commercial setting, they will find it easier to move into supported work placements with local employers.
"We’re keen to hear from employers interested in our 2026 pilot scheme, which won’t require adding staff to their payroll.”
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