Gloucester City Council has secured £220,000 of funding to strengthen the systems through which residents can access healthy, affordable food, in a bid to improve health and nutrition amongst those 'in greatest need'.
The city is among 45 local authority areas in England set to benefit from the government's new £10 million Good Food Neighbourhoods programme, which aims to boost the health of communities and reduce dependence on emergency food parcels.
The council says the investment will help ensure everyone in the city can access healthy, affordable food 'with dignity and choice', building on the city’s existing partnership food strategy, Nourishing Gloucester.
It says while Gloucester already benefits from a strong network of community pantries and kitchens, food banks, growing projects and neighbourhood organisations, the new funding will help 'strengthen and connect' these services, making it easier for residents to find and access the type of support that best meets their circumstances.
City residents and community partners will help shape the programme locally, with a focus on creating a preventative approach that helps residents access support 'before they reach crisis point'.
While emergency food support will remain available for those who need it, the initiative will help more residents access affordable food options, including through community pantries and other neighbourhood-based provision where people can choose food that suits their household, dietary and cultural needs.
Recognising that food insecurity is often connected to wider pressures such as low income, debt, housing costs, fuel poverty, and sudden changes in household circumstances, appropriate 'wrap-around' support will also be provided relating to the cost of living, including benefits advice, debt and budgeting support, income maximisation, housing assistance and help with energy costs.
The council adds that by addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity, the initiative aims to improve household stability and lower the risk of people returning to crisis.
A Gloucester City Council spokesperson said: 'Community organisations across Gloucester already provide vital food, advice and practical assistance to residents. This funding gives us an opportunity to connect that work more effectively, listen to what residents need and make support easier to understand and access.
'By combining affordable food with choice, welcoming community spaces and wider support, we can help more households achieve longer-term stability while ensuring emergency support remains available for those who need it'.
