Strengthening action on food insecurity with new funding boost

Food banks and community pantries across the county will receive additional funding to help support vulnerable residents and provide food to those who need it the most.

Derbyshire County Council is set to strengthen its response to food insecurity across the county with a new £100,000 funding package aimed at supporting residents most in need.

Access to affordable, nutritious food plays a vital role in physical health, mental wellbeing, and people’s ability to cope with changes in their circumstances.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Communities Councillor Dawn Abbott said: “Food insecurity means that a person is unable to get enough affordable, nutritious, healthy food.

“Food insecurity plays a key role in poorer health outcomes and widening health inequalities, and people experiencing food insecurity are amongst the most vulnerable in society.

“They are likely to be experiencing poorer health, poorer nutrition, and lower resilience to illness.”

By strengthening local food support networks, the council aims to ensure families have access to nutritious food, and improve the quality of life of people across the county.

Since March 2020 Derbyshire County Council has provided a series of grants totalling £1.350m to support food banks.

This additional funding, due to run until 31st March 2026, will be delivered through Foundation Derbyshire who will administer the grants to local food banks and community pantries across the county.

It will be used to cover food, volunteer and staffing expenses, fixtures and fittings and fuel costs.

Local information shows that food banks are struggling to get, or keep volunteers, and that donations have reduced because of ongoing cost of living pressures.

To find out more about food banks visit www.ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk/foodbanks