Would you like to join a network of businesses helping sustain our vital community projects?
We work with a range of affordable food schemes providing healthier food options for struggling residents across Brighton & Hove. One inspiring example is the Phoenix Food Hub who offer weekly food bags with a variety of products (including fresh fruit & veg), allowing customers to achieve a balanced diet on a budget.
Beyond Food Banks – Community Supermarkets
For a small fee, shoppers can choose from available items, helping boost consumer self-confidence. The welcoming atmosphere helps residents’ bond and overcome the stigma associated with food support. It also encourages customers to volunteer – like David, who has used his free time to give back to the community at Phoenix.
Whilst these projects do incredible work in supporting the city’s wellbeing, spiraling costs and decreasing food donations threaten their sustainability. At Phoenix, unreliable funding has made it difficult to maintain base offerings despite demand remaining high.
But wait … where can I donate?
We have got your back. Visit our Directory map – select ‘community shop’ via the drop-down menu to see a list of schemes across Brighton and Hove
This is where you come in. We’re looking for business leaders to support our network in becoming a thriving group of affordable food hubs. Here are some ideas about how you can help.
Remember – Communication is Key
Maintaining clear communication with partners is essential. Imagine donating tonnes of fresh produce, only for it to be wasted because your partner doesn’t have enough refrigerators. Organizers best understand their projects’ capacities – ask them what their needs are, then assess what resources you have to fulfill them.
No. 1. Employee Volunteering
Allow your staff to volunteer their time – set up an agreement for employees to help out at least monthly. Regular volunteers are useful for projects as it takes time to show people the ropes; it’s also nice for clients to see a familiar, trusted face.
Volunteering doesn’t just involve showing up at opening times or delivering to members’ doorsteps – use this opportunity to showcase your expertise. For example, a PR company might donate some working time into designing a bold online social media campaign to raise awareness about a food project. Who says you can’t get creative?
No. 2. Become a sponsor
Donation boxes are a common way of sponsoring food schemes. To achieve the greatest impact, promote the donation point widely and let customers know what can be donated.
Whether it be via food donations or monthly standing order, try to agree on regular contributions. This allows partner food projects to plan and maintain a reliable service to shoppers.
Most importantly, do something unique. One tried-and-tested idea involves sticking personable messages on donated egg boxes; why not brighten up someone’s day with a quirky joke while spreading your company’s brand image? Think outside the box, literally!
No. 3. Organise a Fundraiser
Once your fledgling partnership has spread its wings, set up a fundraiser. Start with a simple donation link to your partner’s social media, then progress to inviting food project volunteers to talk about their scheme at one of your public events.
Even better, collaborate on a joint event. From coffee mornings to club nights – make sure it’s an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment so that anyone can get involved.
Tip: organise around festivities like Christmas or Ramadan – when people are often most charitable.
No. 4. Donate a large item, or even a space
One common problem facing food schemes is a lack of capacity to store fresh produce. Why not donate some spare storage equipment like a fridge freezer, storage cupboards, or even food containers?
Better yet, let your partner use an underused space or vehicle to help with logistical challenges. This may allow projects to expand their product offerings and their customer base.
No.5 Share, Share, Share
Finally, showcase your contributions. How about a collaborative social media post, an online newsletter, or posters plastered around your workplace.
Highlight your partner’s positive social impacts and explain your decision to sponsor them. This will raise the project’s profile and simultaneously fore-front your commitment to ESG principles; boosting your collective reputation, helping you reach new customers, and attract prospective employees.
Get started today!
Hopefully with these suggestions, you feel more confident about how you can support the creation of a longer-term solution to food insecurity across our city.
Now take the next step and get in touch with us. We want to hear your ideas, and would be honoured to help make them a reality. Feel free to email us at info@bhfood.org.uk,.
Additionally, there are many other fantastic food projects that would benefit immensely from your help, including our Emergency Food Network who provide food parcels and advice to those experiencing crises. Have a peek at our Directory to find out more.
