A vision for Good Food in Every Postcode
Affordable Food Alliance launches landmark report calling for Affordable Food Clubs to be recognised as key part of UK’s long-term strategy to tackle hunger and food insecurity
A coalition of the UK's leading affordable food organisations has today launched a new landmark report demonstrating the impact that Affordable Food Clubs are having in communities across the country, and calling for greater recognition of their role in supporting households at risk of hunger and food insecurity.
The newly-formed Affordable Food Alliance, which comprises organisations such as Feeding Britain, Community Shop, The Bread and Butter Thing, Your Local Pantry (Church Action on Poverty), Family Action, Community Grocery (The Message Trust), The Scottish Pantry Network, Good Food Scotland and FoodSavers Network (Inn Churches), is a coalition of independent networks with decades of experience who have come together to draw attention to the impact that Affordable Food Clubs are having across the UK.
At a time when food insecurity remains a significant challenge in the UK, and local and national policy makers are actively seeking to reduce dependence on emergency food provision, such as food banks, the report from the newly formed Affordable Food Alliance brings together evidence from across its networks, representing thousands of households across the UK. The report, which was launched at Westminster event attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Stephen Morgan MP, gives policymakers a clear evidence base for why Affordable Food Clubs should be recognised and supported as part of a wider response to food insecurity.
More than 4,000 users of Affordable Food Clubs were polled for the new report which reveals:
• 38% accessed an Affordable Food Club without having needed to use a food bank. Among those who had, 63% have been able to stop or reduce their use of foodbanks by using Affordable Food Clubs
• 75% are less worried or stressed about being able to afford or access food, since joining an Affordable Food Club
• 77% of respondents agreed Affordable Food Clubs helped them feel closer to their community
• 72% were able to afford more well-balanced meals thanks to Affordable Food Clubs
• 67% are eating more fresh fruit and vegetables
• 74% have accessed at least one form of wrap-around support provided by Affordable Food Clubs, demonstrating how food acts as a gateway to a wider range of services and activities
In response to these findings, the Affordable Food Alliance has outlined a collective vision to ensure there is "Good Food in Every Postcode", providing long-term solutions that reduce dependence on emergency food provision. The report argues that Affordable Food Clubs are uniquely placed to support the Government's ambitions to reduce food insecurity; following the recent government announcement of £10 million funding as part of the Good Food Neighbourhoods programme, the Affordable Food Alliance believes that Affordable Food Clubs are best placed to help the government meet its goals of reducing reliance on emergency food parcels and food banks, improving public health outcomes, strengthening communities and helping families become more financially resilient for the long-term.
Drawing on survey findings, case studies and data from across the Affordable Food Alliance’s networks, the report identifies four consistent outcomes delivered by Affordable Food Clubs:
• Reaching households at risk of or experiencing food insecurity and reducing the need for emergency food provision.
• Connecting members to advice and support services that help build financial resilience.
• Improving access to healthy food and supporting more balanced diets.
• Increasing wellbeing and strengthening community connections through positive, welcoming local spaces.
Andrew Forsey, National Director of Feeding Britain, said: "This report represents the first time that leading affordable food organisations from across the UK have come together to build a shared evidence base around the impact of Affordable Food Clubs. The findings show remarkable consistency across different communities and models, demonstrating that affordable food provision can do far more than help people access low-cost food. It can strengthen financial resilience, improve wellbeing and connect people to opportunities that support lasting change.
"We welcome the government’s latest funding announcement as part of the Good Food Neighbourhoods programme and we want policymakers to recognise Affordable Food Clubs as an essential part of a modern, preventative approach to tackling food insecurity and ensuring everyone has access to good food in their community."
Gary Stott, Executive Chairman of Community Shop, commented: "For many years, Community Shop has demonstrated that affordable food models can deliver lasting social impact by supporting families facing financial and wider social pressures. This report reinforces what we see every day in our communities: when people can access affordable, nutritious food in a supportive environment, it creates opportunities to improve wellbeing, build confidence and strengthen financial resilience.
"The Affordable Food Alliance gives our sector a stronger collective voice and a powerful platform from which to demonstrate the value Affordable Food Clubs bring to people, communities and the wider economy. We look forward to working with government to createaccess to good food in every postcode, which we believe is the starting point for delivering long-term positive impact and tackling the root causes of food insecurity.”
Vic Harper, Chief Executive of The Bread and Butter Thing, added: "Families across the UK continue to face significant financial pressures, making affordable access to nutritious food more important than ever. This report highlights the scale of the impact being delivered by Affordable Food Clubs and demonstrates why they should be recognised as a vital part of the UK's response to food insecurity.
"By coming together through the Affordable Food Alliance, we can share evidence, amplify the voices of our members and work collectively to ensure more communities benefit from affordable food provision."
Stephen Morgan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “The £10m funding announced as part of the Government’s Good Food Neighbourhoods programme will help support community-led projects such as community food shops, mobile greengrocers, lunch clubs, community kitchens, and cooking and nutrition programmes across England, helping to improve access to affordable food.
“I welcome this new report from the Affordable Food Alliance, which clearly demonstrates the significant benefits that affordable food clubs provide for people and communities, and I look forward to continuing to work together and alongside local authorities to develop solutions that meet local needs, putting decision-making and resources directly in the hands of local leaders who know their communities best.”
A vision for Good Food in Every Postcode