Our unique café is made up of a 20ft container housing the kitchen & a small retail space opening onto a large covered seating area. A Pay As You Feel model adopted for food sales allows patrons to pay what they feel the meal is worth or what they can afford. A Pay It Forward model used for beverage sales means patrons can opt to pay for extra items that can be claimed by anyone who cannot afford to purchase one themselves. The use of intercepted surplus food from stores raises awareness around food waste & its environmental impact. Various free & paid groups, events & workshops have been developed to appeal to all demographics & are scheduled daily. Our Volunteer Programme aims to lessen isolation via social prescription & is open to any interested individuals, thus creating community cohesion & building relationships. This inclusive & welcoming environment will act as a Community Hub for all York residents & visitors alike, serving as a full days entertainment or a quick healthy meal

What we'll deliver:

• Use a Pay As You Feel model for food sales, breaking down socio-economic barriers
• Use a Pay It Forward model for beverage sales, encouraging community cohesion
• Use donated food, encouraging community involvement
• Use food grown on our allotment, creating an all-inclusive community project
• Use funds from the cafe, after expenses, to create offshoots in various York wards to provide much needed services
• Use intercepted surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfill/incineration, thus reducing carbon emissions
• Create a welcoming, all-inclusive Community cafe that anyone can visit, regardless of socio-ecomonic status
• Develop a Volunteer Programme providing work experience, skills training and reducing social isolation
• Offer groups and events for all demographics, promoting education and socialisation
• Support small creative business and artists

Why it's a great idea:

It is estimated that 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year, amounting to nearly 40% of production. The UK alone is responsible for 750 million metric tonnes of Carbon emissions per year. Our business model aims to bring about public awareness to this serious environmental issue. We will also promote a 'less waste' attitude amongst our patrons. YNC believes food is a basic human right and commits to providing a meal to any patron visiting the café. Through this approach, we aim to increase awareness around financial hardship. Alongside this, our groups and events have been designed to promote community cohesion and involvement, lessen social isolation and break down socio-economic barriers. By actively creating volunteer opportunities, we can offer work experience, skills training, social integration and learning opportunities. This venture will also allow YNC to develop into a self-sustainable project and continue to expand its services and reach into the community.

Steps to get it done:

• begin outfitting of container
• confirm kitchen appliance rental
• interview and hire paid staff
• locate and rent appropriate food storage space
• order branded staff t-shirts and chefs wear
• order marketing material
• order non-perishable consumables
• order signage (chalkboard and cafe signage)
• order/manufacture retail products
• purchase decor and seating/restaurant equipment
• purchase educational toys and books
• secure local artist for artwork on container facade
• apply for business insurance/PPL
• apply for licensing/permits
• pay any upfront start-up costs
• purchase excess kitchen equipment
• purchase of kitchen cabinetry/worktops
• purchase safe play equipment
• secure building contractor for outfitting works

There are currently no cafes in York using either the Pay-As-You-Feel or Pay-It-Forward approach while using intercepted surplus and donated food and offering workshops and events. An overwhelming number York parents that attend our pop-up café venue have indicated their difficulty in finding a venue that is safe and family friendly in the city centre. Our model is unique in that not only does it tick these boxes but also helps grow and improve the community through its various programmes and services. Alongside this our regular groups and events will make YNC café a destination venue where patrons can come for a quick visit or spend the whole day in a relaxed and welcoming environment. There may be concern around the Pay As You Feel ethos not generating enough capital to create a secure business however an article in the Guardian states that patrons often pay more that they feel the meal is worth due to their recognition of the benefit such a venue brings. Donations are also common.