Future Projects: a New Nourishing Norfolk Partner
We are delighted to be welcoming Future Projects as a new partner in the next chapter of Nourishing Norfolk.
Since 2022, Nourishing Norfolk has grown into a county-wide network of community food hubs, helping more than 18,000 households access affordable food and save around 50% on their food shopping. Along the way, we have seen food hubs become so much more than places to collect food. They have become trusted spaces where people connect, find support and strengthen their communities.
From September 2026, Future Projects will take on the running of the Nourishing Norfolk warehouse, helping build on the success of the network and creating opportunities to develop the food offer for communities across Norfolk.
This new partnership brings dedicated expertise to the warehouse operation and creates opportunities to explore a wider range of products in future, including fresh and chilled food. This means better, healthier choices will be available across the network.
Here are three reasons we are excited about this partnership:
1. It creates opportunities to offer a broader range of foods
Future Projects will bring dedicated focus to the warehouse and food supply. Over time, this could mean a broader offer to food hubs, including fresh and chilled food alongside the great value products already available.
2. It helps Nourishing Norfolk be more responsive to local need
Communities are changing and the pressures facing households continue to evolve. By bringing together Future Projects’ operational expertise and the insight of local food hubs, we can build a service that responds more quickly to what communities need.
3. Norfolk Community Foundation will double down on funding
By bringing in a specialist partner to run the warehouse, we can focus more of our time and energy on securing funding, building partnerships and creating opportunities for food hubs across Norfolk. We know the need is still there, and we want to bring even more support into the network.
The History of the Nourishing Norfolk Warehouse
Pilot with RNAA
Thanks to the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, we opened a pilot warehouse at the Royal Norfolk Showground to try out what would go on to be a key part of the Nourishing Norfolk programme. This allowed us to experiment with deliveries of shelf-stable good for the first time, and to understand the needs of local food hubs.
Partnership with Norse Group
Partnering with Norse Group, we launched the Nourishing Norfolk Distribution Hub – or ‘The Warehouse’, as we know it. This allowed Nourishing Norfolk Food Hubs to order bulk food at fair prices for the first time, allowing them to offer a reliable supply of essentials, helping households predict budgets better.
Norse Group also provided logistics thanks to their n-Able fleet of vans, as well as lending business expertise through experiences managers and team members.
Furthermore, a robust evaluation from the University of East Anglia identified the warehouse as a key enabler of activity across the programme.
Bringing Everyone Toegther
Over the years, we have built relationships and received donations from amazing community partners. Businesses such as Mr Organic and British Sugar have provided food regularly to the warehouse. Furthermore, Easy Cleaning Solutions helping keep houses clean through providing bleach and other household cleaners. Meanwhile, Bunzl and hey girls providing free soaps and periods products through the warehouse – some of the first things people stop buying when money is tight.
Together, this means that we have brought partners together to deliver more value and healthier outcomes for people across Norfolk.
The Next Chapter
We are delighted to be welcoming Future Projects as a partner, running the Nourishing Norfolk Distribution Hub as Nourishing Norfolk continues to provide food and support to those who need it most.
Nourishing Norfolk’s strong, community-led hubs create a multiplier effect, helping local people access practical support and build resilience close to home.
To make this possible, we need continued investment in both the services delivered through the network and the vital organisations that make them happen. If you’d like to help provide essential resources to food hubs and reach more people across Norfolk, please consider backing Nourishing Norfolk, or start a conversation with us today.