Pioneering pilot brings fresh fruit and veg directly to communities in south Bristol

People in three Bristol communities can buy fresh, seasonal fruit and veg at low cost thanks to an exciting new pilot project. 

Food charity FareShare South West is working in partnership with The Park Centre in Knowle West, 224 Youth Zone in Hartcliffe and Avonmouth Community Centre, to run weekly pop-up produce pantries. 

The aim is to make healthy produce a viable choice in communities where options to buy affordable fruit and veg are limited. 

The pantry launched at 224 Youth Zone on Thursday 29 October and people came along to fill their bags with a mix of fresh fruit and veg for £3 – this will continue at 224 Youth Zone every Thursday at 3pm to 4.15pm (or until the food runs out).

Nina Hourizi, Head of Food and Community at FareShare South West, says, “There are so many reasons why people might not be able to buy fresh fruit and veg.  

“Many people don’t have access to a supermarket or grocer in their neighbourhood, or can’t easily get to one, so availability of fresh food is limited.  

“Everyone deserves freedom of choice and the opportunity to benefit from nutritious food. By bringing a supply of good quality fruit and veg directly to communities, we hope to break down some of these barriers and combat the injustice of who can afford a healthy diet.”

Matt Justice, CEO, 224 Youth Zone, adds, “Good food is at the heart of everything we do at 224, and we’re proud to already be a member of FareShare South West. It supports our catering team to serve young people a fresh, nutritious hot meal for just £1. Beyond that, we’re teaching them to cook healthy meals from scratch, giving them skills that will last a lifetime.

“The produce pantry completes that picture. Young people can now take what they’ve learned in our kitchen home with them, and their families can pick up quality fruit and veg at a price they can afford, in a place they already know and trust.

“It means healthy eating doesn’t stop when young people leave our doors; it carries on around the dinner table at home. Good food shouldn’t depend on your postcode, and together with FareShare South West, we’re making sure it doesn’t.”

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