Food For Aldgate
11
The Pitch
Problem statement
Food For Aldgate is an neighbourhood level initiative to alleviate food insecurity. With around a third of East Londoners experiencing inadequate access to food, we support households over the long term to help support strained domestic budgets. Begun as a response to the pandemic, our food support work has continued and now supports around sixty households - the majority of which are families - every week. Recognising cost of living increases and energy bill rises, the project aims to provide food and goods to the approximate value of the pandemic benefits uplift - now ended - which was designed at the time to "strengthen the safety net" according to the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Solution
The project aims to alleviate food insecurity and cost of living pressures for local social housing residents. The project is not 'crisis' support, and recognises that enduring low income affects working and non-working households, over time, without resolution. Funding will supplement our provision of food and non-food household items. Much of our food provided is kindly donated by a leading food redistribution charity, but the value of foods received has reduced since the pandemic, so new funding will help ensure we can provide goods every week to the value of the ceased benefits uplift. The expected impact is for beneficiaries to feel supported, through household budget support.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Food For Aldgate has alleviated food insecurity since the winter of 2020, and has a regular and stable membership of beneficiaries. It is supported by local Aldgate-based social housing landlord EastendHomes, and has committed local volunteers powering the project. Support sessions are held weekly, and are much appreciated by our beneficiaries. Food support is located at leading wellbeing and advice services provider Toynbee Hall, who have been working to alleviate poverty in the East End since 1884.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| £50 per week of additional food and non-foods, such as sanitaryware, toiletries | £1,000 |
Beneficiaries
300 people
Expected impact
Additional items will be purchased from redistribution agency In Kind Direct, which offers goods at up to 80% off, so good to the value of £250 can be bought for just £50. Weekly food support basket to be approximately worth the same as the £20 covid pandemic uplift. Number of households that feel food insecurity has improved through receiving support. Number of households that feel more supported/happier through assistance. Testimonials from beneficiaries.
Track record
Weekly food 'baskets' of support provided since December 2020.