Beneficiaries
Brighton Food Bank
Brighton Food Bank is an independent food bank, established in Brighton and Hove in 2000. Their clients are referred to them from over 70 organisations across Brighton and Hove and often arrive at Brighton Food Bank in crisis, with not enough money to buy food and other essentials to feed themselves and, in some cases, their families. In 2021, they gave out over 5,000 boxes of food, helping 1,223 people in need.
As the staff at Brighton Food Bank get to know their clients, they are able to find solutions to their difficulties and signpost them to other agencies that can help them move beyond their need for a food bank.
CHOMP
CHOMP is a Brighton based charity that supports low-income families to access food provision, enriching activities, and local community. Established in 2013, Chomp began by offering holiday lunch clubs, providing a free hot nutritious meal and space for children to play.
Today, Chomp continues to run its free holiday lunch clubs, and has now grown to offer a variety of wellbeing opportunities that support parents and children. They are passionate about supporting families who find themselves in challenging circumstances by building a community through their school holiday lunch programme and follow-on initiatives, empowering family members with the life skills and confidence to make aspirational decisions for their lives.
About Food Poverty
Food poverty is a harsh reality affecting more and more people across the United Kingdom, with a staggering 8.4 million families and individuals estimated to be struggling to make ends meet. It’s a complex problem, often stemming from low or no income, homelessness, extreme changes in personal circumstance or mental health issues. In recent years a lack of access to affordable and nutritious food options has become increasingly common across the country.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis have further intensified the effects of food poverty. Job losses and rising costs are leaving more families unable to put food on the table, many having to choose between eating and paying bills. Emergency food providers have witnessed a surge in demand, with some reporting an increase of up to 300%. However, these emergency services are merely temporary solutions. Innovative approaches, such as community pantries, social supermarkets, and affordable food networks, are crucial to tackle the root causes and ensure long-term food security for all.
An Argus article from April of 2023 reported that in Brighton and Hove alone, an estimated 24,617 residents, or 9% of the population, were found to be suffering from food insecurity. Thankfully, there are groups and organisations working to provide relief to those most in need and actively advocating for systemic change. With collective support, we can work towards a future where no one in our community has to worry about their next meal.