Local Food Economy
By the StreetSmart team
The StreetSmart initiative takes place every winter in major cities nationwide to raise vital funds for those faced with life on the streets. 16 Bristol restaurants have signed up this year. We hear from the StreetSmart team about this year’s restaurant fundraiser and find out how to get involved.
At StreetSmart-participating restaurants, during November and December, a voluntary £1 donation is added to diners’ bills with every penny going to support homelessness projects. We are delighted to announce the participation of two Michelin starred restaurants in this year’s restaurant fundraiser: both Paco Tapas and Bulrush are taking part.
Restaurants signed up already this year in Bristol are:
Bulrush
Paco Tapas
Pi Shop
Wilson’s
Caper & Cure
Bomboloni
Rocksalt
Fishers
Box-E
Bertha’s
Harbour House
Pizzarova
Pizza Bianchi
Bokman
Klosterhaus
Harvey Nichols
97% of Bristol’s homeless are not rough sleepers. In fact, the number of rough sleepers fell in Bristol during the pandemic, however there has been a three-fold rise in homeless people living in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing due to relationship breakdown and evictions.
StreetSmart has raised over £10 million since its foundation. Over 50 homelessness charities now benefit each year, with funds supporting services like the creation of beds, housing, mental health advice and training and job support. Bristol restaurants typically raise more than £15,000 each year and what’s more, 100% of all funds raised stay local.
During the pandemic, StreetSmart has worked with the charity 1625 Independent People in Bristol to allocate funds in the city to prevent homelessness, keep young people safe and support them to be the best they can be.
Hear from some of the restaurants taking part:
“Winter, as we gather in warm, comforting restaurants, should also be a time to think on how we can provide the most basic and essential human needs for every person; food, shelter, care. We are not proud that we have to support Streetsmart, but all the more reason to do so.” (Sara Griffin, Owner of Bomboloni).
“We are supporting StreetSmart as it provides an efficient way to raise money and awareness. More than ever, charities such as StreetSmart, will be vital to many. It is the least we can do and hoping that our contribution will make a difference to many others.” (Carole Petitbois, Restaurant Manager at Bulrush).
“Unfortunately, homelessness is a very real issue in Bristol. We witness the problems associated with homelessness daily, right on our own doorstep in Stokes Croft. The discretionary £1 donation is a small contribution which can make a huge difference. We are so pleased to be able to support this cause and the incredible work that StreetSmart does.” (Giles Coram, Owner of Caper & Cure).
Pam Lloyd of PamLloyd PR, who has worked with StreetSmart for ten years in Bristol, is continually looking for new partners to come on board and unite to help tackle homelessness. Get in touch if you run a restaurant and would like to participate. A full list of the participating restaurants, homeless projects funded, and partners supporting StreetSmart can be found at streetsmart.org.uk.
By setting the wheels in motion now, together we can transform the future of food in our city, building in resilience over the next decade. So, what change do you want to see happen that will transform food in Bristol by 2030? Do you already have an idea for how Bristol can make this happen? Join the conversation now.
So, what change do you want to see happen that will transform food in Bristol by 2030? Do you already have an idea for how Bristol can make this happen? Join the conversation now.
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