Supporting Communities to Act in Glastonbury

As part of our commitment to empowering communities to create change in their local areas, Groundwork manages grant schemes aimed at grassroots community groups on behalf of partners. Love Glastonbury were awarded £1,000 through Tesco Community Grants, enabling them to redistribute food to those that needed it most in the local community.


Food poverty is a growing issue. Many people are now struggling to afford to eat and more and more people are having to rely on foodbanks to feed their family.

Love Glastonbury aims to alleviate food poverty whilst simultaneously reducing food waste by redistributing excess food to anybody in need, in and around Glastonbury.

The funding went towards the running costs and improvement of a ‘free to use’ community fridge with fresh daily food which would otherwise be going to landfill. In addition, a self-referral food bank pantry offering long shelf-life food was made available to anyone in need, no questions asked. Love Glastonbury have also established a hot food operation feeding 50 people on average every Saturday.

Volunteers made 24 weekly trips to supermarkets and local shops to pick up surplus food to re- stock the fridge and pantry. The food bank opened every Tuesday and Thursday 1-3pm and ten items of food are given to each person per visit or there is a delivery service if more convenient.

 

When serious illness struck and the new world of disability became my normality, I struggled to keep afloat. I am so grateful to the community pantry, their support has both kept the wolves from the door and enabled me to retain some sense of normality.

Joanne, project beneficiary

Not only has this project hugely helped those in food crisis many of whom are families, disabled or elderly, it has also helped save more than 80 tons of food waste going from the supermarket to landfill.

A real sense of community spirit has been created through a network of volunteers who work tirelessly together, helping those who are really struggling, making them aware of all the avenues to help to improve their situation.

I have just got back from the hospital and found the box of groceries. I am in tears, it is amazing. I don’t know how to thank you…after my husband died and Covid and sepsis, I have fallen on hard times. Thank you so much.

May, project beneficiary

Love Glastonbury now plan to expand their operations to reach more people in need and hope to launch a website to increase awareness and offer additional support.

Apply for a grant

Tesco Community Grants