We are what we eat: transforming food aid in Westminster

Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch Kensington and Chelsea undertook a project to review food resources and food aid offered within the two boroughs. They wanted to examine the reach and effectiveness of the existing food aid provision strategy, with the overall aims to increase diversity, equity, and sustainability in food aid, promote nutrition and healthy eating, and eliminate food insecurity. Considering residents tend to be from diverse communities, this project additionally aimed to understand the extent to which the foods offered met residents’ social and cultural needs.  They undertook a survey and engagement events and gathered feedback from 57 people.

The key demographics using the service were people aged 50-79, facing long-term health conditions, and facing high financial insecurity from white or other backgrounds. Residents using the food aid services generally reported that they were appreciative of the support with the food provided, especially in times of vulnerability and financial insecurity. There was also positive feedback from the service providers on the diversity, sustainability, as well as the promotion of healthy eating of food resources. However, there were a considerable number of residents who felt the food resources should meet cultural, dietary, and healthy needs of the community they serve.

Most of the feedback referring to the attitude of staff was also positive, though there were a considerable number of concerns regarding quality and cost of funding of the service.

The report contains six recommendations about food diversity, funding, collaboration, service monitoring, further research and tackling food poverty.