Council backs food projects across Dorset

If you are feeling the financial squeeze this winter, you are not alone.  As many as four in ten Brits say that they find the month of January and February harder financially than the rest of the year.

With the rising cost of living, and soaring energy prices, many people on low income are struggling to find the money to put nutritious food on the table.

Working with partners in the community, Dorset Council awarded a total of £277,000 to food projects across the Dorset Council area through the Household Support Fund, Cost of Living Fund, Shared Prosperity Fund and Community and Culture Project Fund in 2024.

As well as food banks, funding was awarded to social supermarkets and community larders.

In the last year, many residents have turned to grocery shopping at social supermarkets. As well as giving shoppers a choice, they also help to reduce food waste whilst destigmatising the issue of food poverty for people struggling to make ends meet.

Fitted with fridges and freezers and shelves of tinned goods, people can typically buy food at 50 to 75 % discounted prices.

Run by local volunteers, the shops rely on the goodwill of the local community and businesses to subsidise the food they purchase each week as well as grant funding from the council.

Neil Hardisty, Director at the Nest social supermarket in Weymouth said:  “Our shoppers are not generally people who are in real crisis, but people who week on week struggle to pay for everything, so benefit from a cheaper food shop.

“We operate on a membership basis. It’s free to sign up, you don’t need a referral if you are on a low income. If you are receiving universal credit, or another income-based benefit, or receiving free school meals, or working with a debt charity, you would automatically qualify for membership.”

Sonia, a single working mother and a regular social supermarket user said it gives her the opportunity and freedom to choose what she needs to feed her family without feeling any stigma.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said: 

“Giving residents fair access to nutritious affordable food is a real priority for the council, as we know that the cost of living is continuing to have a big impact on our communities.

“With many residents facing financial challenges, the council has a vital role to play in addressing food poverty, which is why we have provided some upfront investment to support social supermarkets across the county as well as funding for community larders and food banks.”

The social supermarkets in Dorset Council area are:

The Seaside Store - Lyme Regis, The Vale Pantry – Sturminster Newton, The Nest – Weymouth, Nourish – Blandford, Castleman Community Larder – West Moors.

For more details and other food projects, visit:

www.helpandkindness.co.uk/food-projects

or contact: 01305 221000