Having run a food bank for over 12 years, we recognise the need to provide a food service that supports people as they move from crisis to recovery. The Waste Food Supermarket in Lincoln will provide a more dignified approach to aid handouts as members will be able to chose their own good quality food (rather than received in a pre-made parcel) at prices that are intentionally less than half those of budget ranges at other local supermarkets. This will be targeted at those who are on a low income who are vulnerable to food poverty, many who have had to rely on food banks before. This model will help to reduce reliance on food banks whilst increasing people's resilience to the effects of a financial crisis or hardship. The team will be trained to not only help people access food at very low prices but to empower them to understand and overcome the root causes of poverty, but providing additional support such as budgeting advice, job clubs, volunteer work placements and 1-2-1 coaching.

What we'll deliver:

• Create a Waste Food Supermarket in Lincoln
• Support up to 175 members per week to access low cost food
• Provide holistic support to members through coaching and courses
• Reduce by at least 50 tonnes the amount of food being wasted

Why it's a great idea:

This initiative will support people in Lincoln, 16% of whom live in poverty. With almost 19,000 meals provided to people in food poverty in the last quarter, there is tremendous need in the City and we aim to provide a longer term solution to support people that goes beyond the short term fix of accessing a food bank. The primary benefits of the project will be: -Reduced reliance on food banks -Increase resilience for people facing financial hardship or a crisis This will also bring the benefit of providing a dignified alternative for people to aid hand outs, increasing self esteem and reducing a sense of helplessness. Additionally to this, we will see the benefit of an increase in the number of people accessing additional support services such as money management training, job clubs and life skills as this will be a part of the programme for members. Another benefit is the reduction of waste of good quality food in the whole food system as this is redirected to those most in need.

Steps to get it done:

• Create the food supermarket
• Recruit 130 members in Y1
• Recruit up to 175 members
• Redistribute 50 tonnes of waste food

Acts Trust is a charity with 15 years of experience delivering support to people in Lincoln, through aid provision alongside holistic support. We have experience in delivering outstanding projects and we are part of several networks and partnership groups with shared aims for the City including the Lincoln Food Partnership.