Additional £250,000 grant funding available for local foodbanks and voluntary groups

Local organisations providing food and support to those most in need can now apply for up to £2,500 in grant funding.

Essex County Council has allocated a further £250,000 to its food support fund to help local communities this winter.

Applications for grants can be made from today (Monday 4 November). Grants are available to organisations, including:

• food support groups
• food pantries
• foodbanks
• community based organisations
• voluntary groups

The money can be used by these organisations to provide food for families with children and for any individuals from across the Essex County Council local authority area who are struggling.

The fund will be available until the money has been used. There is no deadline for applications. All grants awarded must be spent by 31 March 2025.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “We know that organisations like community supermarkets and food pantries are a lifeline for many and we’re pleased to make this additional funding available so organisations can continue their vital work.

“The funding is also reflective of our ongoing commitment to supporting those who are vulnerable and I’d encourage anyone who is struggling to find out more – there is help for you.”

This additional funding brings the total money allocated to the council’s food support fund to nearly £1.5 million over the past year alone. It’s also part of a wider £9.4 million package of support the council recently announced that is available to Essex residents this winter.

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit: https://ealc.gov.uk/food-support-fund/

Anyone struggling with the cost of living can find out about help available here:  https://www.essex.gov.uk/help-cost-living