Mansfield District Council has been working with two leading national charities, Family Action and FareShare, to open the first FOOD (Food On Our Doorstep) clubs.
The clubs are in three known priority neighbourhoods: Bellamy ward, Oak Tree ward and Portland ward.
Details of the current clubs now open are:
Bellamy Ward
Every Friday 1pm to 3pm
Tuxford Court Community Centre
NG18 4NU
Oak Tree Ward
Every Friday 1pm to 3pm
Oak Tree Lane Surgery
NG18 3SF
Portland Ward
Every Tuesday 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Dallas Street Resource Centre
NG18 5TA
The council acted to tackle food insecurity in the district after reports showing the number of families finding it difficult to access affordable healthy food had increased four-fold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, Mansfield District Council was awarded £70,000 from the Nottinghamshire County Council Emergency Fund and it has been working with a range of stakeholders involved in the Mansfield Health Partnership to explore other ways to make a difference to residents facing food insecurity.
Cllr Marion Bradshaw, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Housing and Wellbeing, said: “The council have been responding to the pandemic by supporting vulnerable people, thanks to emergency funding.
“It is unfortunate that there is an increasing demand for food support in our most needy areas, but I am proud that we have been able to deliver a provision for some of our most vulnerable wards.”
The funding also aims to provide a further seven FOOD clubs across the district. Further details will be released, alongside locations in the New Year.
If you live in one of the identified wards and would benefit from access to healthier food, please visit the relevant FOOD club on the designated day. This is a walk-up service and does not require a referral.