Wandsworth
The London Food Bus brings nutritious, affordable food into the heart of deprived communities – tackling issues of both affordability and access. The double decker bus includes a social supermarket on the ground floor. Here, customers can purchase food for a fraction of the usual price. There is a focus on provision of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as culturally appropriate foods. Upstairs, there is a café offering low cost and nourishing meals and drinks. The bus also hosts a programme of food events such as cooking workshops and community meals and hosts local advice services.
As one member recently said: “The bus has dramatically increased the amount and variety of fruit and veg I eat daily. Removed some anxiety about being able to afford good quality nutritious food.”
The London Food Bus was officially launched by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in November 2022:
Levels of local food insecurity
According to the University of Sheffield’s research into local food insecurity of adults (Jan 2021), in Wandsworth:
- 5.80% of adults suffered from hunger
- 14.16% struggled to access food
- 14.58% 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.