Brighton council creates emergency food fund to tackle cost of living crisis

Brighton and Hove City Council has made the money available to help community groups and organisations provide emergency food for people during winter 2022/23.

The Emergency Food Crisis Fund aims to support the most vulnerable people in the city who are most at risk of food insecurity.

Organisations can apply for funds up to a maximum of £5,000, depending on the number of beneficiaries they support. For more information about the Emergency Food Crisis Fund, visit the dedicated webpage on the council webpage.

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “We are taking the cost-of-living crisis with the seriousness the situation deserves and understand the colossal pressures people are facing due to ever-rising food and energy prices. 

“Although there have been government commitments in the last week which will alleviate some of the pain for some of our most vulnerable residents, I remain deeply concerned.

“Although the funding that’s been announced is only a drop in the ocean, it will enable the council to provide some critically needed support to those who need it most right now.

“The latest survey from the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership shows the dreadfully shocking reality for residents across the city, unable to afford the food they need. 

“More than 5,000 people have needed help from the city’s Emergency Food Network every week over the course of the last year, which should be a source of shame in the world’s sixth richest country.

“We continue to do all we can as a council – since May we’ve taken a series of actions to support households at the sharp end, increasing the amount to help with essential goods like fridges and ovens and helping residents access emergency support. 

“We’ve launched the Brighton and Hove Cost of Living Crisis Fund and over £39,000 has been donated. We’ll agree to more work at next month’s policy and Resources Committee.

“But we have never more needed significant and urgent action from central government – in deeds and funding – to continue to meet the needs of marginalised residents affected most sharply by the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are also working with public and private sectors partners through the Greater Brighton Food Plan to address issues of food insecurity throughout the region. 

“Fundamentally we need to develop a more sustainable and resilient food system that provides everyone with access to local, affordable and healthy food and prevent this kind of crisis from happening again.”