Family Action has launched Food On Our Doorstep (FOOD) clubs in partnership with Bright Start Children’s Centres, Fareshare and Radstock Town Council to provide good-quality food at a low cost to families, while also reducing food waste.
It costs just £1 a year for a family to become a member. Once you’ve joined, you can purchase a bag of tasty food items every week worth approximately £10-£15 for just £3.50.
To become a member, you must live or work within 15 minutes of the clubs and have a child aged 0-11 years.
“Family Action has developed FOOD (Food On Our Doorstep) Clubs in partnership with Fareshare and Children’s Centres in a number of UK cities,” explained Simon Green, FOOD Clubs Coordinator Bristol and SW. “The model arrived in the region in June 2019 and in 2020 clubs were opened in B&NES to support families at risk of food insecurity.
“Each FOOD Club provides fresh, refrigerated and store cupboard food at heavily discounted prices. Families pay £1 per membership per year, then £3.50 per visit, which should provide between £10 and £15 worth of food which mostly comes from Fareshare who receive surplus food from farms, food manufacturers and supermarkets. B&NES FOOD Clubs also receive food from Crop Drop who redistribute allotment produce in the area.
“A typical weekly offering would be meat or alternatives, yoghurts, milk/alternatives, tins, bread, pasta, potatoes, cabbages, courgettes, oranges and limes.
“The clubs are a great chance to try new foods, get access to plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, meet new people and share recipes and cooking ideas. They often have cooking demonstrations and aim to have a growing project connected with each club in attempt to build a resilient and sustainable food community. Due to the range of activities and amount of clubs, we are always looking for volunteers.
“Families comment on the positive atmosphere and how much they enjoy finding out what ingredients they will be receiving each week. FOOD Clubs have helped families throughout the pandemic, providing an all-important point of contact in difficult times. It is hoped that they will provide long term support for local families and build communities in the recovery from the pandemic.”
The clubs take place at –
- Keynsham Children’s Centre on Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm
- Radstock Community Club on Fridays 1.30-3.30pm
To find out more, email email hidden; JavaScript is required or email hidden; JavaScript is required.