The atmosphere at HFH is buzzing with warmth and camaraderie. As people stream in, they greet each other with familiar smiles, catching up on local news and sharing stories. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked chocolate cake, lovingly prepared by Lindsay, one of the dedicated volunteers. It's a special day – two of the regulars are celebrating their birthday, and the cake, adorned with candles, stands as a testament to the close-knit community that has formed around this weekly gathering.
One resident, a regular at HFH, encapsulates the sentiment shared by many: "I think it's a very good idea. It gets people together and offers a nice variety of food, especially when you're not working anymore. I like it a lot."
But what exactly is the HFH in the South West Peninsula District and why has it become such an integral part of this Devon community?
HFH opened its doors two and a half years ago, through the partnership between Ali Mansfield, the Horrabridge Methodist Pioneer, and Rachel Harrison-French who set up the hub under Feeding Devon and Love Your Neighbour – initiatives fighting food waste and food poverty.
Janet, the hub manager, explains: "We ran a food hub through COVID but stopped it when people went back to work. About six months later, Ali asked if I would become involved with Feeding Devon and start up the food hub again."
At its core, HFH serves as a bridge between supermarkets and the community, redistributing surplus food that might otherwise go to waste. Every Wednesday, from 2 pm to 3 pm, the hub opens its doors to a diverse group of people.
Some come for social interaction, enjoying a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat. Others may be going through a difficult period and need a helping hand with groceries. Then there are 25 to 30 regulars who come every week and over 200 people registered.
“We also take referrals and people can contact us when they have financial problems. We give out a free bag of food to anyone struggling and this is paid for from donations given to HFH and Love Your Neighbour pays for food bags for families. No one in Horrabridge or surrounding villages should be going without food,” adds Janet.
For a modest fee of £5, visitors can fill a bag with various fresh produce, dairy products and staples. This money then goes towards purchasing more food for the following week – the food that was not provided by supermarkets.
Ali Mansfield, the Horrabridge Methodist Pioneer and a key figure in the project, highlights the importance of HFH's approach: "It's not a food bank, it's a food hub. We're the middle guy between the supermarkets and a food bank. Supermarkets and food industries can donate food either near their best before sell-by date or fresh produce."
“We also give pastoral, signpost support to DATA a debt support service and offer community visits, prayer and support from our church community to help families,” adds Ali.
The impact of HFH extends beyond just providing groceries. It has become a catalyst for community engagement and support. From collaborations with the local primary school, the Plymouth Argyle – the local football club - to organising Christmas dinners for the lonely, the initiative has woven itself into the fabric of Horrabridge's community life.
One volunteer succinctly captures the essence of why people are drawn to help: "It's a worthwhile thing to do and it's nice to liaise with people from the community. I hate seeing so much waste, so this is a great initiative to save products from landfills and feed people."
In a world where food insecurity and social isolation are growing concerns, initiatives like the HFH serve as beacons of hope. The project not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit.
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