Lincoln Leads Fight Against Food Poverty

The report, Feeding Hope: The Impact of Affordable Food Clubs on Nutrition and Wellbeing, is a significant milestone in the fight against food poverty as it sheds light on the transformative power of Affordable Food Clubs. Findings in the report are a call to action for policymakers and practitioners to prioritise the accessibility of healthy, affordable food for everyone.

Affordable Food Clubs have emerged in communities across the UK as a new form of food aid, providing people with access to a weekly nutritious food shop, at a fraction of the cost of items in a regular supermarket.

The clubs are membership-based, enabling lower income households to stretch their budgets further each week. A fee is paid for shopping, at a much-reduced price through membership, and shoppers can choose the products they need from a wide selection of fresh, ambient, chilled, and frozen goods.

Additionally, the use of these food networks recognises people's need for a sense of agency and dignity. Alongside purchasing their weekly shop, they can access support services in a welcoming environment, which helps them to build relationships with local organisations that provide specialist help with budgeting.

In the face of increasing living costs and economic challenges, the report underscores evidence which confirms that these clubs and networks may help some households avoid turning to food banks or provide a pathway from food bank dependency.

Almost 2,500 participants were drawn from 68 Affordable Food Clubs across the country. The study found that Affordable Food Club members reported significant improvements in their lives, from general health, nutrition, to finances, with 98% of respondents stating they can now afford to eat more balanced meals.

Three-quarters of club members have increased their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, while 71% reported that they cook more meals at home. Access to a wider range of services, such as financial advice or employment support, participation in numerous activities, which include cooking classes and tasting sessions, and savings on essential items have also contributed to a reported 74% improvement in overall wellbeing.

These outcomes are particularly significant in the face of rising living costs and ongoing economic challenges. Affordable Food Clubs have proven their ability to make a lasting and meaningful impact on people's diets, effectively breaking the constraints imposed by poverty.

Professor Gary Rawnsley, Head of School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Lincoln, explained: "This report is the outcome of research that aims to make a difference in the lives of so many people. The School is very proud of the transformative research that colleagues undertake. We are engaged with local, national, and indeed international communities and stakeholders to understand social and political challenges and to contribute to policy."

The report is available to read online: https://feedingbritain.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Feeding-Hope-The-Impact-of-Affordable-Food-Clubs-on-Nutrition-and-Wellbeing-Summer-2024.pdf.