0-Love Southampton 2022-2023

7.I Food
In 2020 various food providers in Southampton scaled up their capacities quickly and at a
pace to be able to respond to the challenges that were arising during the first lockdown.
Fast forward a year and The Big Difference and Basics Bank are still going strong and
working together more collaboratively. In addition to this, Saint Mary’s Church started a
‘marketplace’, making them a third partner that Love Southampton works with on an
almost daily basis.
Through our work in 2022 it became clear that there was a large and impressive operation
going on within the city with regards to food redistribution which was a lifeline for a very
large number of people.
At the October 2022 Cost of Living summit, we launched a Food Toolkit that gave a
simple guide to opening a marketplace, foodbank, community pantry or fridge. Produced
by Southampton City Mission, it covered all the logistical, volunteer and food safety issues
related to running a community food project.
How do referrals happen?
It is important to note that referrals happen with each of these three models in different
ways. Basics Bank - part of Southampton City Mission who have been active for over 20
years - have traditionally operated on the basis of service users being referred by
professional services. The Big Difference, started during the pandemic by Above Bar
Church, do allow self-referrals, but these are scrutinised at source by their staff to
minimise abuse of the system.
The new Marketplace concept that started to be operated by some churches around the
city within their particular postcode, and that is operated by Saint Mary’s for the SO14
postcode, was an interesting concept that we felt helped to move the narrative of food
redistribution away from simple ‘handouts’, and more into social action that supported
personal empowerment and dignity.
The Marketplace model, which still works closely with Southampton City Mission and
The Big Difference at times, is focused on supporting those within its post code area
through a membership food project, rather than a city-wide referral system. It
provides a variety of affordable, fresh and healthy food in a friendly and
supportive environment.
Members of the project can select a wide range of
different foods in a fair and balanced way. Paying £5, they
choose from 15 items worth of food, including fresh fruit
and vegetables and frozen meat, which usually totals
around £30 in value. Toiletries are often available, and
allergies are catered for.
Saint Mary’s church also seeks to provide support with
members’ pastoral needs within the friendly and
supportive environment that staff and volunteers
have created. They now offer a ‘pay-what-youcan’
toastie cafe at the same time, an exercise
class, training courses, and access to
Page 20