Over the past year, Very Local Food Hubs Community Interest Company has continued to deliver a range of community-led food initiatives aimed at tackling food inequality and improving access to fresh, healthy produce. We support residents in East Brighton, focussing on Moulsecoomb, Bevendean and Bates Estate. A core part of our work is the provision of affordable fruit and vegetable boxes; we delivered over 1550 directly to households on a fortnightly basis. These boxes operate on a scaled pricing model; ensuring that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to all, particularly those experiencing food insecurity. This service is especially important for disabled residents, carers, low-income households, and families with young children. Alongside food provision, the company delivers a programme of community activities designed to build skills, confidence, and connection. These include free cooking and tasting sessions, community cook-alongs, and workshops that help residents learn how to prepare healthy meals using fresh ingredients. The company also runs local growing workshops and farm visits, giving participants the opportunity to learn how food is produced, develop growing skills, and connect directly with local farmers. This strengthens community understanding of sustainable food systems and supports local agriculture/agroecology. In addition, the organisation hosts community events such as food fairs and community meals, helping to reduce social isolation and bring people together around food. Our range of community activities support health and wellbeing; through getting outdoors and connecting with others over food. We also actively support community cohesion; through bringing people with different backgrounds and life experiences together, to share and learn from each other. Very Local Food Hubs works closely with local farms and suppliers, prioritising seasonal and locally sourced produce wherever possible. We work directly with growers, to make use of seasonal gluts and ensure fair payment for their produce. Very Local Food Hubs is actively working towards a more sustainable future; reducing food miles, packaging, food waste and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable local food economy. We actively network with other services in our area, to help connect the dots around food provision, signpost financial and health support and link local residents to opportunities in our area. Overall, the company’s activities contribute to improved access to healthy, sustainable, food, increased community cohesion, and greater awareness of local food systems.

The company’s stakeholders include: Local residents and veg box customers Volunteers Voluntary Committee Project coordinators, delivery drivers & packing team Local farmers and food producers and small businesses Partner organisations and community groups Funders The company consults stakeholders through a range of formal and informal methods, including: Feedback gathered during community events, cookery sessions, and food fairs Direct communication via email, social media, website and newsletters Annual survey Ongoing input from volunteers and delivery drivers who interact regularly with service users Focus groups and community engagement activities to inform project development Feedback from stakeholders has directly informed the development of the organisation. As a result, the company has: Introduced flexible pricing to ensure affordability Expanded its programme of workshops, cooking sessions, and food-related events Developed opportunities for residents to learn growing and cooking skills Strengthened partnerships with local farms and suppliers, to increase locally sourced food Increased opportunities for volunteering and community participation This ongoing consultation ensures that the company remains responsive to local needs and continues to deliver meaningful community benefit.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration