Woodingdean Food Hub FAQ
Why do people use our services?
In recent years the cost-of-living crisis has significantly impacted people's finances, pushing more people than ever into a negative budget where their income does not cover their essential costs.
Woodingdean Food CIC (WFCIC) registers users from the village those struggling with finances and gives them access to subsidised food supplies and consumables.
Currently experienced reasons for WFCIC users poverty include unemployment, sickness, disability, inadequate pension provision, and housing difficulties.
Can a 'CIC' make profit?
A community interest company (CIC) limited by guarantee is a 'not for profit' company, which means that it does not operate for private profit. Any profit generated is used to grow and develop its business which is benefiting an identified community, or goes directly to benefit that community.
Do I qualify to use the Food Hub?
We recognise that there are those in the community that are struggling financially for a multitude of reasons and in many cases those struggling do not qualify for food bank use. We work off of a trust based system, aiming to help anyone who believes the service could help relieve the financial strain. For this reason we do not require those joining or using Woodingdean Food CIC to prove their registration.
Why do we do what we do?
At our food bank, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community who are facing hunger, poverty, or loneliness. We understand the profound impact that access to food can have on someone's well-being and sense of dignity. By providing essential food items and support, we strive to alleviate the immediate struggles of those in need while also fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our community. Together, we aim to create a brighter and more nourished future for everyone we serve.
What do we provide?
Food hub users pay £3.50 each week to select from a choice of around 15 items (depending on item) of food and consumables. This is designed to be enough to augment meals for a family of 4 for up to 3 days.
The image below is an example of what one user may be provided with.
How do we operate?
Food and supplies are provided through a few different avenues; FareShare, supermarkets and wholesalers, local food donations.
Before the Friday session, a team of volunteers sets up the space each week, box up eggs, bag up dry goods, prepare all the ingredients for the recipe and perform all that is necessary to welcome clients on Friday mornings. They wheel in deliveries from supermarkets and FareShare, collect donations from various locations, check ‘Best before” dates and much more.
At the end of the session, all waste is recycled where possible, anything left that cannot last another week is given away, stores are stacked back in the cupboard and all is left ready for the next user of the space.
Behind the scenes, much work continues during the week - accounts, banking, planning, safeguarding, recording, data protection, meetings, working in conjunction with other food projects and Brighton and Hove Food Partnership, grant applications, publicity
How can I sign up to use the Food Hub or to volunteer?
Complete an application form at the Youth Centre during Friday morning or email woodingdeanfoodhub@gmail.com
There is an initial £1 sign up fee to cover administration costs.
What if I can't get to the Food Hub, can I still use the service?
If you would like to use our services but cannot get to the Youth Centre during our opening times, please contact woodingdeanfoodhub@gmail.com so we can arrange a way to help you.