Photo credit: Jenny Stewart and Feeding Gloucestershire
An online food map produced by Feeding Gloucestershire is helping people across the county find food support in their local area, bringing together information about food banks, food pantries, community meals, lunch clubs, cooking projects, growing projects and support for children and families.
The map is intended make it easier for people to find the help they need, particularly at times when they may be struggling to know where to turn. It brings together information about different types of food support in one place.
Each service is marked with a pin and can be searched by area, town or organisation. There is also a directory for people who would prefer not to use the interactive map.
“We wanted to bring all the information together because people can find it difficult to access food support, particularly when they are in crisis or struggling to know where to start. This is a tool to make it easier for people to find and access the support they need,” said Rebecca Hollely, Project Officer at Feeding Gloucestershire.
As well as showing where services are located, the map provides practical information about opening times, whether people can simply turn up or need a referral, and whether there is a cost involved.
Joanna Scott, Programme Director for Feeding Gloucestershire, said: “We hope the map will help with ease of access and accessibility. It is intended to help individuals as well as professionals supporting people who need food assistance.”
Rebecca said: “Churches and community groups are already playing an important role in providing food support. The map includes churches running lunch clubs and breakfast clubs for children, as well as projects that began within churches and have since become independent.
“However, providing food is only one part of tackling food insecurity. It is important that services and organisations providing food are also able to help people tackle the underlying causes of not having food regularly. This includes support with wellbeing, housing, debt, and creating community connections. These allow the underlying causes of financial difficulty to be addressed.
“Churches and community groups can be particularly well placed to offer this wider support because they can provide welcoming spaces where people feel welcome and safe. By treating people with dignity, it reduces the stigma around asking for help.”
Joanna said: “Food can also be a way of building community and tackling loneliness and isolation. Sharing a meal creates an opportunity for people to meet one another as equals and to experience a sense of belonging.
“Food is such an important part of our daily life. It brings people together.”
Feeding Gloucestershire is keen to hear from churches and community groups that provide food-related support which is not yet included on the map. Details can be submitted through a form at the bottom of the map webpage, helping to ensure that people across Gloucestershire can find the support available to them.
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