Feeding Liverpool has launched its Winter Boost Campaign, which calls on the public and local businesses to help raise £20,000 in order to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families in crisis across the city this winter.
The initiative is part of Liverpool’s Good Food Plan, which sets out to ensure that everyone in the city has access to good food – especially at points of crisis. It was established when it was recognised that, despite rising costs meaning more households were relying on emergency food support, standard food parcels were often lacking the fresh produce needed for a balanced, healthy diet.
Through the Winter Boost Project, Feeding Liverpool will distribute funds directly to six emergency food providers across the city, who will use it to purchase good-quality fresh fruits and vegetables from local suppliers – ensuring that their food parcels are more well-rounded, nutritious and dignified.
Keenan Humble, Director at Feeding Liverpool:
The Winter Boost Campaign is, sadly, a much-needed piece of work that ensures people in our communities have the opportunity to access fresh, nutritious produce at a time of year when people have to make the most difficult decisions on how to spend their money. The food alliance is working to develop long-term solutions to the inequalities people face in their daily lives when trying to put good food on their tables; it is equally important, however, that initiatives like the Winter Boost Project are supported to meet the short-term needs of people in our city. One of our goals – as set out in the Good Food Plan – is to ensure Good Food at Points of Crisis, and this project does just that. We appreciate every contribution to the Winter Boost Appeal, and and would be incredibly grateful to every person and organisation that supports the initiative.
The first round of funding will be distributed in November, enabling families to benefit from these healthier parcels throughout the hardest months of the year.
Early Support Already Secured:
Feeding Liverpool’s mission has already garnered the support of local businesses and organisation who share the goal of tackling food poverty.
Hawksmoor Liverpool have chosen Feeding Liverpool to be their Charity Partner over the winter months and will be contributing a monetary donation to the appeal in order to support the continuation of the project.
Stephanie Slater MBE, Founder and Chief Executive at School Food Matters, has explained how and why they will be supporting the initiative:
At School Food Matters, we believe that good food can unlock happier, healthier futures, and we are delighted to be able to support the Winter Boost Project this year. [Our] donation was raised by children in Liverpool who took part in our Young Marketeers Programme, where they learned how to grow fruits and vegetables in their school gardens. The children chose to donate the profits from selling their produce to this project to help their community – using the fruits of their labour to keep their neighbours healthy and full.
Further Support Needed:
Feeding Liverpool will be contributing £10,000 from the organisation’s own funds to kick-start the campaign, but urgently require more support to reach the £20,000 target.
They are inviting local businesses and organisations to get involved by donating, running fundraising activities or giving a share of product sales to the appeal.
Shirely Marshall, CEO of Liverpool Six Community Association, has spoken on the impact of the Winter Boost Project at her organisation and why donations are so crucial:
I am incredibly grateful to Feeding Liverpool for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission. This generous funding allows us to nourish our communities and provide essential resources to those living in deprivation. Together, we are making a significant difference to the lives of many, and I look forward to continuing this vital partnership.
Donations can be made online here.
Please contact Gentian Khan regarding partnerships and for more information about further donation methods.