M&S Stratford Maybird

The project was started by two Parish Councils - Marston Sicca and Quinton (although it’s now under Marston Sicca only) along with volunteers from surrounding villages including Welford on Avon. The main objectives were to support individuals and families who were struggling to support themselves (fuelled by Covid 19) . This encompassed three main areas of focus: 1)To ensure sufficient food was available for the most vulnerable 2)To help individuals who were struggling with isolation 3)To create assistance to families who required additional support (education, counselling etc.,) Despite there being government led initiatives, we found local problems to be diverse including delays to benefits and other related issues. By bringing specific local help, the project organisers looked to tackle basic needs and to create community initiatives. The supply of food is by far the largest element within our community led programme The food welfare programme is managed by the Parish Council The Pavilion is a community centre and hosts a food share programme but also a subsidised café, and learning support. It provides employment for those with leaning difficulties and also meeting clubs for the vulnerable (including our Parkinsons Club). We ensure all food related support schemes are managed with strict controls with a dedicated space and fridges for food surplus.

Alcester Community Fridge is based in the grounds of Alcester Baptist Church. Six days a week we open our doors to anyone who wishes to come and help themselves to good food that otherwise would have ended up in landfill. We strongly believe in stopping good food going to waste, supporting the needs of the community, and helping to make a difference. We work with local supermarkets and food producers and have a team of volunteers who give up their time to help make this happen.

St Nicholas C of E Primary school is a co-educational, Church of England, Voluntary Controlled School with over 400 children on roll. Through our Christian ethos, we promote friendship and consideration for others in order to create a friendly, caring culture where everyone is valued and accepted. Our children will benefit from supermarket donations to be used at Breakfast club, break time and after school club. We have been lucky enough to benefit from donations given by our local Foodbank and have supported with food hampers for vulnerable families throughout the pandemic. Our next project is a Community pantry that our school families and local residents can access. We feel strongly about supporting our families and in turn reducing food waste.