New Food Hub launches in Asfordby
Following the success of the Rural Food Hub Network, Melton Borough Council has launched a new hub in Asfordby.
The Rural Food Hub Network was developed as part of the council’s cost of living offer to the Melton community. A number of hubs have been launched since February 2024, through the support of Government funding and provide vital support to residents in need, alongside other initiatives to support our communities such as the Household Support Fund and Pension Credit awareness events.
The new hub in Asfordby will be the ninth rural food hub across the borough and will be open every Wednesday between 1pm and 2pm, at Bradgate Flats. The Rural Food Hubs are available to all residents in need of financial support. Residents can get access to a hub by contacting Melton Borough Council’s Community Support Hub and requesting a voucher.
Since opening, the Rural Food Hubs have received over 76 requests for food and support from rural households across the Borough of Melton. They have evolved and adapted to the communities’ needs, now offering holistic support to residents. Alongside the provision of food parcels, council officers work closely with residents accessing the hub to provide tailored assistance, looking at long term solutions and additional support, helping them gain financial independence once again.
An attendee at one of the Rural Food Hubs said “After a delay in receiving my old age pension and having no income for several weeks, being able to access the Rural Food Hub was a lifesaver.”
Another commented “Without the rural food hub, I don't know how I would have managed after being off work for several weeks and only receiving statutory sick pay from my employer.”
Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of the Council, said “The Rural Food Hub Network provides vital support to our communities, filling a gap that was identified in our rural communities for households who were unable to access the Food Bank services available in Melton Mowbray. We are so grateful to our volunteers who help us sustainably run multiple successful hubs around the borough. If anyone would be willing and able to volunteer their time, they can get in touch with our Community Support Hub to discuss opportunities in their local area.
“The impact of cost-of-living pressures continues to affect our communities and we understand that financial hardship can come unexpectedly, be short term or long term, and can happen to anyone. The rural food hubs are available to all our residents going through financial hardships and you can access support easily by contacting the council.”
The council works with local Parish Councils and Ward Councillors to assess the needs in the communities and set up the food hubs. Councillor Clay, Ward Councillor for Asfordby, was an advocate for the new food hub in Asfordby and said, “I am really pleased we have been able to set up a food hub in Asfordby for our local residents. The hub can not only provide food packages for those in need but can help put longer term support in place. I encourage anyone in our community who is facing difficulties to contact the council and get a referral.”
A full list of all the Rural Food Hubs and their opening times is available on the Melton Borough Council Website: https://www.melton.gov.uk/RuralFood
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For more information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk
Notes to Editors:
Melton Borough Council’s Community Support Hub can be contacted by calling 01664 502342 or emailing here4melton@melton.gov.uk.
The Rural Food Hub Network is funded through the Government’s UKSPF scheme. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
