Be part of the Community Food Chain and help people in need

Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging residents to be part of the Community Food Chain and lend a helping hand to ensure food gets to those in need of support. If you enjoy helping others, or have excess food, green fingers or free time you could donate, there are a wide range of ways you can help your community.

As the cost of living pressures continue, 33% more food parcels have been provided to residents by foodbanks in January and February this year compared to the same time last year. In addition to support available through foodbanks, the council’s Helping Hand service provides support for residents who are struggling to pay for food, utility bills and other household essentials.

The Community Food Chain represents how residents and support services work together giving and collecting donations that are then distributed to those in the community who are in need. Part of this is the council’s Food Champion scheme, which works in partnership with Street Associations and local communities to increase much needed donations to local foodbanks. Food Champions are encouraged to coordinate regular food donations in their street, area or place of work to collect dry and tinned food items and to deliver them to the foodbanks.

Anyone wishing to be part of the Community Food Chain and lend a helping hand can now join the 46 amazing volunteers that have already signed up as Food Champions around the county by contacting their nearest foodbank to set up a collection point.

Explaining why she became Amersham’s first Food Champion, Susan Bosher, said:

"The demand for food from families has increased since the pandemic and the cost of living pressures, but donations have decreased - many people who want to help or previously donated are no longer able to do so. This inspired me to become a Food Champion; I collect food donations from my neighbours weekly and deliver it to the foodbank monthly. It takes very little time and it’s easy to get started."

If you have green fingers, you can also participate in our Grow to Give scheme, where we encourage people to grow food in their garden or allotment and donate the excess to community fridges. Each Grow to Give allotment site has a donation point, making it effortless for residents to join the food chain and donate their fresh produce.

Alternatively, anyone can offer their time and volunteer at a foodbank or a community fridge - or even set up their own community fridge. Community fridges are a great way of supporting your community and reducing food waste. They enable local people and businesses to donate fresh food and produce that might otherwise be wasted. All food donated to the fridges will be available for residents to collect and enjoy. You can find your local community fridge here or find out more about setting one up.

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

"We all know 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 our residents visiting foodbanks and other community food services, which means donations and volunteers are needed more than ever.

"If you are able, please consider getting involved and give a helping hand. We know that so many of our residents and local businesses are incredibly generous and welcoming when called on to help others.

"There are a range of ways that you can support those around you, even if you are not in a position to make a donation. Anyone who becomes a Food Champion, or volunteers at a local foodbank or community fridge is making a huge difference to those struggling during these difficult times, so if you are able, please consider getting involved to help other residents."

To find out more or to set up a scheme in your street please visit our Food Champions page.