The Belgrave Food Hub
Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association in partnership with Reaching People to Launch a Community Food Hub in Belgrave.
Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association (BNCHA) is excited to announce the opening of a community food hub in collaboration with Reaching People. This new initiative aims to provide accessible and affordable food options to our local community, ensuring that nobody goes hungry. The food hub will initially be open every Wednesday from 10am to 2PM and will serve as a resource for all residents in the area.
One of the unique aspects of the BNCHA and Reaching People’s Food Hub is that there are no strict criteria for participation. We want everyone to feel welcome to access this invaluable service. This means that all members of the community, regardless of their background, income, or situation, can benefit from heavily discounted groceries and essential food items.
In cases of emergency or extreme need, we have established a criteria and emergency referral system. These referrals can come from other community organisations, agencies, or even from other food pantries within the city. This ensures that those facing dire circumstances receive the support they require promptly.
The Food Hub’s operations will be supported by a team of dedicated volunteers from within the co-op and the local community. Volunteers play a pivotal role in making this project a success, and we are in the process of recruiting individuals who are passionate about serving their community. To ensure the best possible service, volunteers will receive comprehensive training, organised jointly with BNCHA.
Jaimini Bharakhada said “As the Chair of BNCHA, I am filled with pride to announce the opening of our Belgrave Food Hub, a significant milestone on our journey to foster a stronger, more connected community. The Food Hub embodies our unwavering dedication to not only our tenant members but also the entire local community. In these trying times of the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is our shared responsibility to make a meaningful impact.
This hub isn't just a project
it's the realisation of our cooperative's grand vision—a vision where essential resources are within everyone's reach. When the opportunity to collaborate with Reaching People presented itself, it felt like destiny.
The pieces of our vision fell perfectly into place, giving us the means to further accelerate this journey of creating a resilient, inclusive, and harmonious community, this initiative extends beyond mere sustenance. It's about strengthening the bonds that unite us and empowering every individual within our reach. Together, we have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of our neighbours and enhance the well-being of our local community. The collaboration with Reaching People aligns perfectly with this vision. “
Tim Adkin from Reaching People- “The new Belgrave Food hub at BHNCA is one of the most important projects in the area. Belgrave doesn’t currently have a community food hub which supports those most in need in the area and there is a real need to support the most vulnerable. But what is so special about this hub, it will not only provide affordable food, but it will also act as a focus for all sorts of community ideas and opportunities to improve the lives of local people. I am delighted to be a small part in the project and am so looking forward to seeing all the developments over the coming years!”
BNCHA and Reaching People’s Food Hub’s first day of operation will be Friday the 1st of December 2023. We invite everyone to visit the Hub at BNCHA, 131, Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5LQ, during our initial opening hours on the Friday 10-2pm and thereafter on a Wednesday between 10-2pm. Let’s come together as a community to ensure that no one in our neighbourhood goes to bed hungry.
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