SCF Annual Review 2021-22

20
Annual Review 2021/22
Launching our new
strategy: Thriving
Somerset Communities
Hidden Somerset:
Raising awareness
of Food Poverty
In spring 2021, we launched our new strategy, Thriving
Somerset Communities, in which we set out four key
strategic priorities for the next four years that will
help us better respond to the needs of our charities,
donors and communities now and in the future.
More targeted and effective funding
including more core, flexible and multi-year
funding
Use our knowledge and insight to influence
social change
Significantly grow funding for our
communities by raising more funds
Build an organisation that reflects the
communities we serve, including improving
diversity, equity and inclusion
In November 2021, we published Hidden Somerset:
Food Poverty, the fourth of our Hidden Somerset
reports which shine a spotlight on issues that are
often hidden from view or not widely understood.
The report took an in depth look at the growing issue
of food poverty in Somerset and highlighted that
over 70,000 people in Somerset are worried about
providing enough food for their household. Our
survey of the local voluntary and community sector
found that there was a 63% increase in demand
faced by community food projects between 2019–
2021, and 60% of community food projects reported
working with clients who needed their support on a
regular basis.
Food poverty is a complex and multi-faceted social
issue; whilst local charities and community groups
play a vital role in tackling the issue, we can’t ignore
the need for national governmental support, such
as increased welfare benefits to lift people out
of poverty and investment in local infrastructure,
transport and enterprise to increase opportunity in
rural communities.