Nourishing Norfolk
Building healthier communities through food.
Norfolk and Waveney tops the list of malnourished areas in the UK, according to a study from Future Health, with 1 in 15 people affected. Across the county, thousands of families are struggling to access affordable food, but we believe in a Norfolk where all individuals and families can have access to nutritious food on their doorstep. Nourishing Norfolk meets people where they are, providing immediate relief from hunger and equipping people with the tools to find pathways out of food insecurity for good.
Food is a cornerstone of our society, and through it we can address other issues ranging from loneliness and education to mental health and community safety. Since 2020, we have opened dozens of food hubs in partnership with local charities. These welcoming, local spaces allow people to shop for groceries on a budget without stigma. They also support individuals holistically and connect them to services so they can address other challenges they may be facing.
Accessing healthy, affordable food is just the starting point. We want to reconnect people with food from farm to fork, addressing gaps in skills, knowledge and confidence to create healthier, more connected communities. We firmly believe that creating a sustainable local food ecosystem that supports environmental stewardship, enhances community resilience, and promotes long-term health and wellbeing for all is vital for Norfolk.
We need your help to take action and fund these local projects helping to create a sustainable local food landscape where everyone has the opportunity to get involved to build healthier communities.
Discover the impact of our work to build healthier communities
Spotlight: The Nourishing Norfolk Network
Building on what we learnt from our pilot food hub, The Burrell Store, we officially launched the Nourishing Norfolk Network in 2022, opening dozens of affordable food hubs in communities around Norfolk.
We helped charities develop a local food hub by connecting with local and national food suppliers to develop low-cost food offers for communities who are struggling. The tapestry of food hubs reflects the uniqueness of Norfolk’s communities, from supermarkets in an urban setting to mobile buses that connect isolated communities with affordable food.
People struggling with the cost of living can routinely save around 40% off their average weekly shop through using their local food hub, and can also access local support such as money advice, cookery classes, or employment support.
“I was very hesitant to start with because I thought there are people worse off than me, but then I got to the point where I’ve got to use it … since then I have been using it on and off and it has been a
great help.
“We don’t drive and live rurally, the local shop continuously puts up his prices and we simply could not afford to buy food from there, without this scheme we would not eat.”
“When I first heard about Nourishing Norfolk, it sounded like a great initiative. It was an immediate fit for us as the project ensures that everybody eats well in Norfolk, and no one goes hungry. Norse Group’s aim has always been to improve people’s lives, and through this partnership, I truly believe we can make a difference to those across Norfolk.”
Help us combat food insecurity in Norfolk
Across Norfolk, our charities, community organisations and social enterprises are ensuring no one goes hungry by creating healthier, more connected communities, but they need your help to make a lasting impact.
You can help make a difference today by growing for your community in your garden, allotment or farm, volunteering your time at your local food hub, or by donating to the Nourishing Norfolk Fund.
Donations can be made by completing the donation form on the page, by calling 01603 623958 to make a card payment over the phone or by sending a cheque made payable to Norfolk Community Foundation (referencing ‘Nourishing Norfolk Fund’ on the reverse) to Norfolk Community Foundation, First Floor, Carmelite House, 2 St James Court, Norwich, NR3 1SL.
Working together for Norfolk
Thank you to our partners for their significant support:
Nourishing Norfolk is made possible by hundreds of local and national organisations and individuals who want to work with us to create a future where no one in Norfolk goes hungry.
Norse – As well as helping to maintain the two mobile food hubs (The Breckland Mobile Food Store and the Coastal Community Supermarket), Norse have been helping to establish a Norfolk food distribution hub. The distribution hub, initially piloted with assistance from the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, provide centralised warehousing and distribution for staple foods, ensuring stable supplies across all Nourishing Norfolk hubs.
Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) – Sitting at the centre of Norfolk’s agricultural life since 1847, the RNAA not only provided warehousing for the trial of the distribution network, but also acts as a convenor for the farming community. The Network is an ideal way of getting surpluses onto local people’s tables, especially those who are struggling to access food right now. If you are interested, talk to Victoria to find out more.
Charity Partners – Each food hub is managed by a trusted local charity partner. From the Swan Youth Project in Downham Market to the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre Charitable Trust in Gorleston, each local grassroots organisation has unique insight into the issues facing the neighbourhoods they serve, making them the perfect partners for delivering support that really clicks with the community.
Our Donors – We’re proud to be working with local funding partners, like Norfolk County Council and Breckland District Council, as well as national funders like Feeding Britain, the National Lottery and the Mercers’ Company. Together, with donations from local people and businesses, Nourishing Norfolk is growing and providing for more people each day.