A Cost-of-Living Case Study
Published on Wednesday 14th August 2024
Affordable Food Stoke
The summer holidays can be a daunting time for some parents, even those who are working and earning are struggling to put food on the table. And with children at home all day during the break, it can be even harder!
The summer theme for Stoke-on-Trent’s #HelpIsAtHand campaign focuses on access to food, and to help with this VAST and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have joined forces to develop a toolkit that shares where and when residents can find free or affordable food in their local area.
As well as the food vouchers and the cost-on-living support available from City Council, the voluntary sector are working hard to ensure that our communities have what they need, when they need it.
One of the amazing organisations that is having a real positive impact on the community is Affordable Food Stoke.
In January 2024, they won the Biggest Impact Award at VAST’s Totally Stoked Awards for the outstanding work they do and in recognition of their dedication to, and passion for, local communities.
Affordable Food Stoke is a local charity that is considered one of the friendliest places in Stoke-on-Trent. They work tirelessly to ensure that everyone that visits can access free or low-cost food. This summer, Affordable Food Stoke is offering something for the whole family. Younger ones, older ones, and adults!
And this is what Duane Barrett, one of the founders had to say:
“We know the summer holidays can be quite a tricky and stressful time for parents, so we wanted to produce a programme that catered for everyone!
“Each morning, we’re offering free breakfasts for all (toast, cereal, juice, tea, and coffee) to set everyone up for the day. We also have some really exciting activity sessions coming up too!
- We’re holding two sessions with the ‘Unconventional Menagerie’ where families and children can get up close and personal with some exotic wildlife. Everyone who comes along will get something to eat, we won’t let anyone go hungry.
- Our Tuesday drop-in wellbeing breakfast session is a social space where you can try your hand at indoor curling, dominoes, cards, and board games, all over breakfast together!
- We have some really popular arts and craft groups taking place on Wednesdays.
- ‘I can cook’ sessions for children over 10 on Thursdays, and
- Family fun sessions in partnership with Stoke City Community Trust on Fridays!
“All our sessions are free, and everyone who comes along are provided a free breakfast and/or free lunch!
“We want everyone to have fun, and everyone to be fed, which is why all our sessions are free, and open to all families.
“All of this is alongside our very popular free food section which is available Tuesday – Saturday 10am till 11:30am. So even if you don’t want to attend our activities, you can still pop in and grab some breakfast and free food.”
Due to the popularity of these sessions and to make sure there’s enough food for everyone, booking is required. Booking forms will be shared on Facebook so please make sure you’re following Affordable Food Stoke here.
If your organisation is providing free food for residents this summer and you want to reach more people, please list your sessions and services on the Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory so local communities know where you are and how they can get in touch.
More information on cost-of-living support, please visit Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s #HelpIsAtHand campaign page, or the food category on the Community Directory.
