Community food chain

Many Buckinghamshire households are experiencing cost of living pressures and are at a greater risk of hardship as the costs of fuel, food and other essentials keep rising.

This has led to an increase in residents visiting foodbanks and other community food services, which means donations and volunteers are needed more than ever.

The term 'community food chain' refers to the steps in the process to ensure food gets to those in need of support. In short, it represents how residents and support services are working together to offer and collect donations which are then distributed to those in the community who are in need.

These steps involve:

• donations from individuals to community fridges
• donations collected by Food Champions
• the hard work of our local partners in distributing resources from food banks
• the people in Buckinghamshire who receive support from these essential community and voluntary support services

An example of the community food chain in action is:

1. A resident donates a box of cereal to a Food Champion Collection Point.
2. The Food Champion takes donations to a local food bank.
3. The food donations are redistributed back to a family requiring support.

Whether you’re able to offer support or need support yourself, there’s a place for you in Buckinghamshire’s community food chain.

If you enjoy helping others or have excess food, green fingers or free time to donate or volunteer, there are plenty of ways you can support those around you and help make a difference in your community.

We need your help.

• Become a Food Champion - set up a food collection point on your street and collect food bank donations from your neighbours
• Set up or join a Grow to Give food donation scheme - donating fresh, locally grown food to food banks and community fridges
• Volunteer at community food growing and cooking projects - Grow It, Cook It, Eat It: help your community learn to grow and cook fresh fruit and vegetables.

Find out other ways you can get involved in supporting Buckinghamshire’s community food chain.

Just as anyone can contribute to the community food chain, anyone can find themselves in need of support to ensure they have access to food.

As the cost of living pressures continue, 33% more food parcels have been provided to residents by foodbanks in January and February 2023 compared to the same time last year.

Take a look at the support available for help buying and accessing food.

In addition to the support available through foodbanks, help is also available for residents who are struggling to pay for food, utility bills and other household essentials through our Helping Hand service.

Community fridges also provide good-quality surplus food donated by local people and businesses that would otherwise be wasted. Community fridges are open to anyone who needs it. You can collect fresh fruit, vegetables and other food items for free and help to reduce food waste. Find your local fridge here.