The Holsworthy Food Hub, launched in May 2023 with help from LiveWest funding, has recently secured £7,250 of extra funding through an Awards for All grant. The extra funding will help the food hub continue supporting people in the local community.
In its first six months, Holsworthy Food Hub supported nearly 100 households. Over the winter, its food support has been in need as heating bills rise, and high food costs bite harder.
A regular visitor to the food hub said: “I want to say thank you for the food hub! Mum was very happy with the variety and has been able to eat every day. She felt very comfortable and didn't feel any judgement at all.”
Households can buy a bag of food from the hub for £5 with a value of around £15, larger households can buy two bags. The team expect the hub to be sustainable and self-funding once they’re fully established in the community.
The project supports Holsworthy Community Fridge, which is also part of Holsworthy Food Projects CIC, ensuring no food goes to waste.
Alison Knight, our Community Connector leading on the project, said: “In January, we sold our 1000th bag of food, which means this project has brought an estimated £10,000 of extra food into the pockets of low-income households in Holsworthy. We aim to aid value of at least £10 to the bag cost of £5.”
This is a rural area, leaving many people feeling isolated. As well as an affordable place to shop, the hub offers free refreshments and a warm welcome.
Recipes are shared at the hub, and people enjoy swapping photos of what they’ve cooked on the hub Facebook group.
The project also nurtures the people it supports. Four of the volunteers started as customers. As well as this, four volunteers are now training as volunteer co-ordinators, gaining qualifications in food hygiene, and taking on more responsibilities.
