Funding available to tackle food poverty

Co op logo and to the right a white middle aged man in medical face mask and white bib. He is holding a cardboard box with vegetables in it

Organisations working in Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are invited to apply

From 26 October to 13 November, food charities and other community organisations can apply for funding to support access to food and sustainable solutions to food poverty.

Funded through Co-op shoppers

The funding has come through the Co-op which donated £1.5m to the National Emergencies Trust to tackle hunger. The money is being used to support local charities and community organisations that are addressing food poverty in the UK. The money was raised over the summer through purchases from the Co-op’s picnic range. This funding is now being distributed through the national network of community foundations using their local expertise.

The types of programmes that this funding could support include – but are not limited to:

  • Food banks
  • Programmes that tackle food waste
  • Programmes that encourage healthy eating
  • Holiday hunger schemes

What can be funded?

Funding can only go towards sustainable food poverty programmes which tackle Co-op’s funding priorities detailed below:

  • REDISTRIBUTION – We will actively redistribute our surplus food to the people who need it most in our communities
  • ACCESS – We will provide easy access to nutritious food and balanced meals for customers with a limited budget
  • UPSKILLING – We will help to educate and upskill customers on low cost meal solutions, limiting food waste and shopping smartly
  • YOUNG PEOPLE – We will support future generations by prioritising the wellbeing of children and young people struggling with food insecurity
  • COMMUNITIES - food programmes for vulnerable communities delivered in those communities