Food Justice
By Charlotte Jackson
It’s almost that magical time again, to eat, drink and be merry. Yet Christmas can be lonely, cold and harsh for some in our community. Knowing this, inspiring organisations have stepped up to the plate, working tirelessly to combat food insecurity, isolation and homelessness in Bristol over winter. Charlotte Jackson looks at the ways you can support local initiatives and make a meaningful difference this holiday season.
If you’re looking to gift something extra special this Christmas, then below we’ve highlighted local initiatives that would love your support. Perhaps you could contribute some of your time, substitute a present for a donation, or give a couple of items from your weekly food shop.
Caring in Bristol provides essential items like shelter, hot food and clothing for people experiencing homelessness and vulnerable situations over the Christmas period.
If you have time to give, explore their volunteer roles here; positions still needed include delivery driver, kitchen team, and general volunteer, with varying shifts from Monday 23 to Monday 30 December at Trinity Centre.
Alternatively, they are looking for dry store donations like squash, cereal and noodles, see the full list here. You can also donate money to their Christmas campaign here.
Marmalade Trust creates community, connection and Christmas Cheer over a plate of hot food and with homemade gifts, helping people experiencing significant loneliness.
Volunteer positions have now been filled, but they are fundraising to deliver their work to combat isolation: donate here, to make someone’s Christmas.
Fancy a delicious, healthy meal made using locally grown ingredients, but not enough time to cook during the busy festive period? Check out Heart of BS13’s Pay it Forward meal range, every purchase you make has power and funds vital food security work in Bristol. Stockists are listed here.
Heart of BS13’s winter fundraiser to raise £5000 for our Community Freezer opens on Tuesday 3 December. Find out more here.
FoodCycle collects surplus produce from local independent retailers by bike and uses it to prepare nourishing community meals in Barton Hill. Free meals will be provided on Wednesday 18 December and Saturday 21 December with a break for Christmas. The team is looking for cooks, hosts and food collection volunteers throughout the year: find out about volunteer opportunities here, or help to keep their community meals running by making a donation.
Team Canteen is fundraising to deliver food support over winter, providing warming meals at Trinity Centre on Sunday 29 December and New Year’s Eve, through sales of homemade chutneys, pickles, granola, hot sauces, mulling spices and more delicious hamper fillers. You can buy these from Emmeline Cafe at Spike Island, or find them at a local winter fair.
91 Ways holds regular community-focused events and Supper Clubs around the city, bringing together people from different communities to share food and stories. You could support 91 ways whilst Christmas shopping by grabbing a cookbook, a Supper Club Voucher or donating via their shop.
If you are having difficulty accessing good, affordable food, you aren’t alone, and help is available. Bristol Food Network’s website lists resources, including advice and food banks here.
Charlotte is a sustainability coordinator in the festival industry, amplifying the positive impact of events whilst monitoring and mitigating their emissions.
She has just started a new role as Comms & Engagement Coordinator at Bristol Good Food 2030.
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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