We know emergency food alone isn’t enough. Without access to trusted advice and signposting services, alongside the provision of food and essential items, people in Greenwich remain trapped in a cycle of food insecurity. More than half our guests (service users) tell us the rising costs of food and essential items is why they turn to us for support. 18% say debt is the reason; 15% cite the ongoing impact of mental and/or physical health challenges. In colder months, these challenges intensify.

For people experiencing food insecurity, emergency food alone is not the solution. We must, in addition to food support, continue to deliver a holistic approach. This means guests accessing expert advice from our Welcome Centres throughout Greenwich. Our trusted advice partners are specialists in benefits, health, housing and financial support. This moves Greenwich residents beyond emergency food support and away from crisis; towards resilience and, ultimately, their last visit to a food bank.