A mobile shop for the Borough of Ashford

The environment

We purchased an Electric Vehicle which offers numerous benefits to communities, including economic, environmental, and public health advantages. By using an electric vehicle we aim to reduce exposure to pollutants and do our bit to improve air quality. In the future we hope to provide an EV charging infrastructure at Repton Connect Community Centre. People need places to charge their vehicles which can lead to new economic opportunities. The van has also enabled us to rescue on average half a tonne of food every month from farms, supermarkets and food distributors. This food would have been destined for destruction.

The local economy

1) We have provided employment and volunteering opportunities for local people. 2) We are providing a sustainable model of support to address food insecurity, moving people away from the traditional 'food bank' model. 3)Our model allows for the use of local resources, buying from local businesses. 4) We provide low cost food which enables customers to save their money and support people who need it most.

Volunteering, jobs & education

The Project has helped to create two new employment opportunities including a Food Project Manager and Mobile Shop Coordinator position. Both of these job opportunities were offered to local people from the Borough of Ashford. We have also recruited five new volunteers and continue to recruit more volunteers as the project grows. Volunteers and staff members are offered learning, training and development opportunities including accredited qualifications.

Arts, culture & heritage

NA

Activity, health and leisure

Our mobile social supermarket offers choice and dignity to people who are food insecure, helping them to save money, gain skills and confidence. They are a step beyond food banks and help in mitigating the effects of poverty and social vulnerability. This in turn has a positive impact on mental health. We provide access to healthy nutritious food including free fresh fruit and vegetables on a weekly basis which has a positive impact on existing health inequalities in the communities we serve. We also provide food for specialist dietary requirements including for people with Coeliac Disease and people who need Halal/Kosher/Dairy Free/Vegan Food which are seldom available through food banks and social supermarkets.