5,800 people require food support every week in Brighton and Hove

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership (BHFP) have published their Emergency Food Network Report. Over the last year, they found that over 5,800 people sought food support each week, with 2,900 needing ongoing long term support. Whilst there is a small decline in users from last year it is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels with individuals relying on this support due to cost of living demands, low incomes, debt, benefits and health issues.

Food projects in the area reported an increase in uptake from clients with mental health needs,  and amonsgst disabled people, people in work, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Either meaning needs has increased, or these groups are finding it easier to access these services.

In one week, services in the area supported:

• 810 households with emergency food parcels
• 470 visits to affordable food shops
• 120 households through food vouchers
• 135 people with delivered meals
• 1,840 people at shared meal spaces

They provided a range of inspiring case studies including The Village Food Bank, Whitehawk Foodbank and Pankhurst Pantry. The report emphasizes how important these spaces are to make positive change, with all offering diverse food services for more choice and longer terms support with wrap around services and access to advice.

They highlighted the development of The Village Food Bank, a LGBTQ+ inclusive food space run by Reuben Davidson, using experience gained in his role as Social Prescriber at Brighton and Hove Switchboard. He said:

"We have a really diverse base within the LGBT community, which is also reflected in our volunteer crew. This is important as it helps people feel reflected in the space. More than half of our clients are trans and non-binary, 70% have a disability or long-term health condition, 75% are neurodivergent. 20% of them are refugees or asylum seekers. 30% are people of colour."

As well as spotlighting the incredible work being done by organisations in the area, BHFP also offer recommendations at a national and local level including wage campaigning, development of a local food storage and distribution hub, more recognition for volunteers and more support for drivers, premises and donations.

BHFP will be running a webinar to explore their report findings on 3 Dec. Sign up by clicking here.

Find out more about the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and read their annual survey.