Whitfield Food Club
£1,272
In April 2025 this small group was awarded funds to cover the purchase of resources and to provide training for the volunteers running the community café.
People of Whitfield run the Food Club, which comprises a community food pantry and an affordable café.
Food poverty is a real concern in Whitfield as residents budgets are stretched due to economic pressures. The Food Club also reduces food waste, giving the project a dual environmental aspect.
The community pantry offers access to a weekly pop-up shop, reducing food poverty by providing low-cost food. The concept provides people a chance to select food suited to their own families in a shopping style environment.
The Bread and Roses community café opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays- offering access to nutritious affordable hot meals
“At the time we received the Bakewell Fund grant we had very little income, so the award was therefore invaluable to get us started.”
One year on the centre is now open on a committed regular schedule, a welcoming space complying with good food hygiene standards.
Visitors to the centre all comment on what the volunteers have achieved and how lovely it looks and feels. This culture, or feel, is key to its success, the club is ran by and for the community with respect, dignity and a listening ear, in order to respond to how they can adapt and grow,
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The grant has also freed up money to spend on upgrading other equipment, and even setting up new weekly activities.
“We were in transition from People of Whitfield to Whitfield Together when we applied and in 2026 we are now firmly established and in the process of registering as a charity.
As a charity we feel we will be in a better position to apply to other funders in the future.
Your local funding and the feeling of belonging have been vital for our success in our first year”
The feedback the volunteer team receive on a regular basis is that the service is invaluable for local residents.
“You are amazing! All of you! What you do for our community and our children, is admirable! We are so grateful for you all and the centre! Thank you from Me, Riley and Whitfield 🧡 ” Zoe
The centre’s volunteers run the Herb & Veg garden and Food Club each week which supplies a vast variety of fresh produce along with frozen, fresh and canned produce to anyone and everyone in the community who needs support in feeding themselves and their families.
Our community was broken up when the council decided to close the building down in 2024 but has now risen again bigger and better. A massive thank you to all committee members and volunteers, well done and thank you for giving so generously of your time.” Chris
“At a time when many authorities recognise that the degradation of community cohesion is a significant cause for extremist and polarised views taking hold, this centre has had an amazing impact on Whitfield. It buzzes with activity, involving all groups within the community, in the common cause of mutual support. The old community centre served a purpose, but this new community-led centre is much more relevant to the needs of the community. Well-done all of you.” Kasey
The Bakewell Fund grant was well timed and pivotal in the the success of the project over the last 12 months. This small grant has had a big impact by:
- Providing the volunteers with a morale boost – having a funder believe in them and their vision.
- Stretching their income further to introduce new sessions responding to local need (such as a Lego afterschool club)
- Allowing them the space to become a registered charity, boosting their chances of sustainability long term
