We’re thrilled to have been awarded funding from the National Lottery Coronavirus Community Support Fund, to enable us to give more families on low incomes access to fresh fruit and veg at this critical time.
Over the next six months our goal is to support over 1,750 families with Rose Vouchers, to help them eat more fresh fruit and veg, accessed through markets, independent retailers and community food projects.
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been devastating for so many, particularly for those on low incomes who were already struggling to get the healthy food they need. Sadly new data from the Food Foundation shows that in May 2020 five million adults in the UK were experiencing food insecurity. This is almost 250% higher than pre-Covid-19 levels. Last year, Fareshare – the national food redistribution charity, was supporting 900,000 individuals every week who were in need of food. They now support 3 million every week. We know that in the coming months, and years, our Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg are going to be needed more than ever.
Food poverty is not only about lack of food, it is also about the poor quality of nutrients consumed. Unhealthy food is not only cheaper, it is promoted more, is easier to access and, in many cases, more abundant in low income areas.
This funding from the National Lottery will not only help families on low incomes to access a healthy diet, it will also support the vibrancy of local food economies. Alexandra Rose Charity wants to see local markets and independent greengrocers thrive, so they can help local communities emerge from this crisis healthier and with a more diverse and prosperous local economy.
Our vision is for everyone to have access to healthy and affordable food. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the National Lottery players and the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting us to achieve this goal.