FEW1509 - Foodbank plus

The project involves the Division of Public Health working with community organisations Community Advice and Law Service to support the mental wellbeing of people dealing with food poverty. It helps people accessing emergency food services have on-site access to quality information, advice, signposting and case advocacy. The project is being delivered at present and has achieved positive results. CALS engage with the appropriate food project in areas of greatest need to ensure best take up of this provision. This need, which has been consistently high for people living in the most deprived Leicester areas, has been exacerbated by COVID precautions and cost of living increases. The existing provider has built up links with the foodbanks which has led to people in poverty accessing benefits and protecting their mental health through community connectedness. The work complements the Leicester Energy Action project and free cooking on a budget training delivered by Public Health.