M&S Gosport Foodhall

15 Million tonnes of food waste hits landfill every year in the UK, all whilst 13 million of the UK population live in poverty. The Trash Cafe CIC collect food from supermarkets, restaurants, stall holders and others that may have been heading to landfill. This includes food that may be misshaped, part of a split multi pack, items past their best before date or items that are coming up to or on their use by date. We then, with our volunteers and staff create a shop like environment. We offer hampers of fresh and nourishing food for families that feed around 4 people for 3-4 days worth of meals. These are priced to help support running costs but we also give a huge amount away for free to families struggling with food poverty. The best part about the project is people can pay as they feel for the food. This means they can pay in time, cash or skills or item donations for what the feel the meal was worth. Time and skills can include but is not limited too, washing up, helping at a fundraising event, helping tidy up at the end of the evening, collections, picking up rubbish or even lending skills to our suppliers. The pay as you feel basis, creates a community where 'cash' poor is no longer a stigma and it opens up opportunities and helps reduce loneliness. The project is pretty much a win all round :)

The sanctuary is a free safe space for women and their children, who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse. The women cook and eat together using solely waste food. Sanctuary sessions are run 2-3 times a week. There is a small pantry giving access to food for families experiencing food insecurity. The is free art therapy practice, drop in groups and plenty of connections to be made. It is possible to recover together 💜✝️💜

We collect surplus foods 5 evenings a week from the Co-op at Warsash.This is then sorted and displayed out on large tables for the community to see, they are very welcome to take anything they are needing free of charge. Some are kind enough to give a small donation which then comes back into C2U to help us keep running. C2U work with a range of different groups currently including veterans, where they host a daily breakfast drop in, a safe zone and a modelling club (airfix models etc). - On a Tuesday evening, they play host to “Sean’s Safe Space” for some informal mental health support for those feeling lonely or suicidal or in a poor mental space. - C2U also operate a no need to refer food bank, where you can drop in a get a weeks’ worth of shopping. - Community Spirit (Gosport Voluntary Action) have also started to use the building to run a group that helps to combat loneliness. - C2U also run a messy play for adult’s craft group - They also offer a counselling service and have 2 trained counsellors operating from the premises offering typically 6-8 sessions with a review after this time. - C2U helps to upskill people sourcing training and helping with CV writing and interview skills. - C2U signposts to other services in the community - Other ventures they are involved in include hosting children’s parties, a book club, links to a Ukrainian group, operating a Santa’s grotto over the festive period and linking in with a kids football team. Other things to consider: - Drop in daily operates from 830am-3pm but the venue can be opened at weekends and evenings with prior agreement. - A team of 8-10 volunteers help with the day to day running of the center including Gary managing Director and founder Debbie Safeguarding lead and Head Counsellor , Counsellor Emma (Angel) and substance misuse lead Phil - Sandra Business to Business and help with Paperwork for DWP etc - The group room is for use by the community and can be used by community groups for a donation (tea, coffee and soup is provided free of charge). - With the recent lottery funding a 10 year lease has been secured on the property. - The venue consists of several offices, a pantry, kitchen, toilet and a large group room space.