A R Projects CIC continues to work to relieve food poverty and social disadvantage in Croydon. The cost of living, low household incomes, and continued pressure on local services meant demand for our services remained high across the year, particularly among families with children, elderly residents living alone, and people experiencing homelessness. During the financial year we delivered the following services, providing both immediate relief and longer-term support. Soup Kitchens – We ran two soup kitchens every week throughout the year, serving hot meals and distributing food parcels. On average 700 meals were served each month, alongside further food support. Sessions are run separately for men and women, with a separate queue lane for elderly attendees, so that everyone can access support safely and with dignity. Food Bank – From our hub in Thornton Heath we operated a food bank providing emergency parcels and fresh surplus produce to households in crisis. Across the year we redistributed an average of more than 2 tonnes of surplus food each month, preventing edible food from going to waste. Youth Workshops – We ran a 3-month business programme for young people, equipping them with practical enterprise skills, confidence, and pathways into future opportunities. Several participants went on to start small enterprises of their own. Community Tent – Our portable community hub ran alongside our Thursday soup kitchen throughout the year, offering haircuts, clothing, shoes, baby essentials, and access to local services, creating a wider support network for vulnerable residents. Community Events – We delivered 11 community events across the year with a combined attendance of over 840 people, including enterprise and craft workshops, community sports, and cultural gatherings. In November we held a volunteer awards evening attended by 180 people, at which over 100 volunteers were recognised for their service. Community Benefit Over 900 people per month benefited from our services during the year. Our work reduced food poverty, improved wellbeing, and created routes towards longer-term stability. Many of our 45+ active volunteers are former service users themselves, which reflects our commitment to community-led change. Working alongside partners including the Felix Project, supermarkets, schools, and local organisations allowed us to extend our reach and make the most of every donation received.

No consultation with stakeholders

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration