North East Organisations Unite to Tackle Food Insecurity
Over 100 people gathered on Saturday 14 March to consider how we move ‘Beyond Foodbanks.’ The summit, jointly organised by Communities Together Durham and Food Durham brought together over 30 different organisations from across the North East.
The Beyond Foodbanks project is working to alleviate the shame and stigma often associated with food insecurity and instead foster dignity, choice and empowerment with long-term, sustainable solutions which meet local needs.
At the Food Summit 15 workshops offered practical advice and next steps. Different approaches to food provision, including pantries, community gardens and pay as you feel cafes demonstrated the opportunities available in our region. In addition, the Summit helped local organisations in the North East to join a national conversation, with partners including Feeding Britain and Citizens UK.
The day started with a welcome from Bishop Sarah Clark. A theatre piece from Theatre Space North East called ‘the food bank generation game’ highlighted the dependency upon food banks for many.
Alexander Jones, CEO of Communities Together Durham said: “It was a privilege to host this event alongside Food Durham. Foodbanks are a much needed sticking plaster - when trouble hits you need a plaster. But if our whole medical system ends with a plaster, that’s not enough. The Summit helped us to ask, what next?
As a Christian organisation, Communities Together Durham is committed to seeing food as a gift from God. Jesus spoke clearly about feeding the hungry in Matthew 25. Ensuring fair food provision across all our communities is an issue of justice. Down the centuries churches have been at the forefront of serving their communities – we once again have an opportunity to reimagine how we feed the hungry in our time.”
The Bridge Project at CTD works with churches across Durham diocese to challenge poverty and build stronger communities. Local churches can get involved in the movement to strengthen the food offer in our communities with the support of our Community Development Workers.
The Beyond Foodbanks Steering Group will meet again to develop work on an Action Plan. If you would like to get involved in the Beyond Foodbanks conversation or connect with the Bridge Project, please contact us.
