Lidl Shoreham by Sea

The Real Junk Food Project intercepts this perfectly edible food from local businesses and supermarkets before it is thrown away, turning it into healthy meals to serve to the community on a Pay as You Feel basis. The Pay As You Feel concept invites people to exchange not just their money, but ideas, time and creativity for a meal.

Shoreham FoodBank is a charity founded on Christian principles; we do not think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. People, individuals, companies or shoppers, donate non-perishable in-date food. Volunteers then sort this food to check that it’s in date and pack it into bags ready to be given to people in need. Over 30 people give up their time to volunteer with Shoreham FoodBank. Shoreham FoodBank partners with a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and the Citizens Advice Bureau who identify people in crisis, and issue them with a red foodbank voucher. Prospective Clients then bring their red voucher to our Distribution Centre in Shoreham Free Church Hall, just north of the Shoreham Station railway crossing gates, where it is exchanged for three days’ supply of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and are able to signpost them to agencies if need be, to help solve longer-term issues. We are part of the nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Moulsecoomb Community Market (based on the social supermarket model) is about giving people some dignity and choice about what food they eat as well as providing access to a more varied and healthier diet. People are asked to pay a very small, nominal feel for membership and that entitles them to choose a fixed number of items that are coloured coded according to cost and/or availability. This is what residents wanted, when we asked them. We are not in competition with the local shops, we are not in competition with supermarkets, we are a community led group that aims to make life a little easier for the people that are struggling the most... Moulsecoomb is on the outskirts of Brighton a world away from the bright lights, the piers, the Lanes and the night life. It houses large estates and many people have lived here for years and have generations of their families living close by. It is a close knit and friendly community. However, it is very much part of the ‘other ‘ face of Brighton. Many people in the ward really struggle with the expense of day to day living and Moulsecoomb in particular has already been identified as being in the top 10% of the most deprived areas in Britain. Unemployment rates are high and health outcomes are well below the national average. There is mounting evidence of increasing poverty and hunger and the pandemic only served to highlight and exacerbate the huge divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in Brighton. We currently open once a week and aim to provide people with a selection of fresh, good quality fruit and vegetables, frozen food and basic cupboard items, as well as some household items. We ALWAYS have sanitary products that are free and can be taken in addition to any food chosen. We are always grateful for ANY food cupboard items, but would also welcome any personal hygiene items.