The Community Engage Foundation runs the Good Food Club, which supports 50 households per week by providing Fareshare food boxes worth up to £20, at a cost of just £5.
The boxes contain a mix of fresh fruit, vegetables, chilled, frozen and ambient products for local residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Discounted toiletries, household products and treats are also available to purchase.
Unlike a food bank, the club is open to anyone struggling, not just those receiving Universal Credit. Its members include pensioners, carers, families, people with disabilities or additional needs, and people living in supported accommodation.
The Foundation also runs a weekly Community Café, where people are invited to stay and enjoy a free hot meal in a warm, friendly environment when collecting their box. After the meal, they run free workshops covering topics such as dementia, menopause awareness, seated exercise, nutrition and online safety.
As well as the financial support, members also benefit from a sense of community that helps to reduce social isolation and improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Hayley Haughton, Co-Ordinator at the Community Engage Foundation, said:
“We took on the food club in October 2024 after seeing how crucial it was to the community in Hall Green and the surrounding areas.
“We operate using a person-centric model, looking at how we can help residents individually and in groups. We’ve got to know our members and the problems they face and want to assist them however we can.
“With GSA’s funding, we can increase our capacity and sustain the club so more households can access healthy food that would otherwise go to landfill. Without this funding, the households we support would risk falling further into food poverty and becoming vulnerable to credit cards or loan sharks, trapping them in a vicious cycle.”
On 16 October, the Community Café celebrated its third anniversary with a birthday party for members, including cake and decorations.
The grant was made possible thanks to our Community Impact Fund, an initiative designed to support GSA customers and improve their local communities. Grants of up to £2,000 per year, are available to resident groups, community projects and local charities, with a focus on improving health and wellbeing, the physical environment, or life and employment skills.