The Sounding Board supports businesses faced with big decisions, giving the opportunity to discuss ideas with experienced business leaders .
The Sounding Board members are not paid for our input. If you've found it useful, if it has given you a clearer view of your future, then can you help us meet our goal of supporting the Norfolk Community Foundation in implementing sustainable food solutions from informal pantry top ups to full-blown community supermarkets.
Food insecurity has shot up due to the economic fallout from Covid-19, as peoples income reduces, says Claire Cullens, Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Foundation. In the first lockdown, 25% of our emergency funding was awarded to food banks and pop-up food distribution networks.
Despite the huge surge in numbers using food banks, a qualitative study by the Food Standards Agencys found that many struggling people avoid food charity because they are ashamed of being unable to provide for their family: they would rather cut out meals than accept handouts.
The Norfolk Community Foundation is taking a longer-term approach to tackling food insecurity: developing sustainable solutions that provide people with the dignity of choice and independence.
The Burrell Shop, which has been created in collaboration with Norfolk Community Foundation, opened in November in the Charles Burrell Centre on Staniforth Road is the Foundation's first community store.
Families with children at the schools on the Barnham Cross estate were the first to try the shop which works on a membership basis. After showing proof of address and paying a one off joining fee of £3.50 per household, members can buy fresh, frozen, dried and tinned food, alongside toiletries, nappies and personal care items provided by charities such as Fareshare, HiS Church, the Country Food Trust and local partners. All products are provided at a hugely reduced cost and there are usually some special offers and free items.
Now, more than ever, people in our community are struggling financially. If you have been furloughed and are receiving just 80% of your usual wage, it can be impossible to manage, says Billie Lawler, shop manager. The Burrell Shop will help people stretch their income further to ensure no one goes hungry. The shop stocks a fantastic range of food items and household essentials, and so much more besides. We plan to introduce recipe cards and cooking advice and have lots more ideas to help our local families!
We can help. We can raise the £50,000 that, with matched funding, is needed to get more community stores along with other food partnership solutions off the ground and support them until they become self-sufficient. Its a big target, but its one we must meet.
If you've been supported by The Sounding Board and are able, please consider giving back to your community by supporting Norfolk Community Foundation in their vital work.
Matthew Stevenson, SENEYE Ltd: £1,000
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