Bristol
“The Bristol pilot is committed to driving systemic change to increase food security across all social and cultural communities of Bristol – ultimately striving for ‘Zero Hunger’. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of immediate provision for those in need, and driving influencing long-term local economic and national policy changes that aim to improve food security of all Bristolians.”
Affordable Food Clubs in this area include:
The mission
Feeding Bristol is committed to driving systemic change to increase food security across all social and cultural communities of Bristol – ultimately striving for ‘Zero Hunger’. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of immediate provision for those in need, and driving influencing long-term local economic and national policy changes that aim to improve food security of all Bristolians.
Key Strategic Priorities
- Improve targeted provision to support immediate needs with an initial focus on childhood hunger and other vulnerable groups (e.g. isolated elderly and asylum seekers)
- Increase the local community’s enthusiasm, knowledge and capability to grow and cook food
- Significantly increase regional food production and the supply of good quality local food to the city within a sustainable economic framework
- To lobby and work with local and national government, influencing policy change to drive greater food security
About us
Feeding Bristol emerged originally in response to a statement made by the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, nearly two years ago when he said publicly “no child should go to school hungry”. In the summer of 2017 Feeding Bristol was launched with wide community participation and support.
Feeding Bristol gained charitable status on 19th March 2018, and is chaired by a Board with representatives from local businesses, food charities, local food growers and the local Council.
Working alongside the Board is the Stakeholder Engagement Group. This collective group is made up of key players from all sectors of the community. The intention is that the SEG will play a vital role of providing the context for effective engagement across Bristol with an active interest or involvement in supporting the delivery of the five key priorities. The SEG will act as a ‘sounding-board’ and in an advisory capacity with regards to key actions and activity of Feeding Bristol. The SEG meets every 6-8 weeks to discuss and review progress.
Feeding Bristol is also a signatory of Bristol City Council’s Children’s Charter
The Children’s Kitchen – engaging early years children and families with food
The Children’s Kitchen is a city-wide project based in Bristol, led by chef Jo Ingleby, BBC Cook of the Year 2015. It is part of the larger Pathways from Poverty project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The Children’s Kitchen commenced on 6th January 2020 and runs events, works within nurseries and children’s’ centres in areas of Bristol with high levels of food insecurity. The project aims to increase ‘food knowledge’ to early years children (2-5 years old) and families across the city, including talking about cooking, growing produce, recycling, and food waste.
Contact us
For more information about the pilot and how to get involved please visit Feeding Bristol or contact: info@feedingbristol.org
Follow us on social media:
Facebook – Feeding Bristol CIO
Twitter – @FeedingBristol
LinkedIn – Feeding Bristol
Levels of local food insecurity
According to the University of Sheffield’s research into local food insecurity of adults (Jan 2021), in Bristol:
- 6.55% of adults suffered from hunger
- 11.91% struggled to access food
- 11.70% worried about not having enough food
About this research:
The University of Sheffield have published statistics of UK adult food insecurity at Local Authority scale. You can view the map of measures of food insecurity here.
Hungry is defined as having skipped food for a whole day or more in the previous month or indicated they were hungry but not eaten because they could not afford or get access to food.
Struggle is defined as a positive response to at least one of the following:
- Sought help accessing food
- Skipped or shrank meal
- Gave a reason for not having enough food
Worry is defined as choosing very worried or fairly worried about getting food.