Transforming Foodbank Distribution Centres 

​    

In collaboration with West Cheshire Foodbank we have worked to transform foodbank distribution centres in Chester and Ellesmere Port into what we call Meeting Places.
​
​We have expanded this approach out to include other settings in the community and to other locations across the borough.

What is a Meeting Place?

Meeting Places are community spaces that bring together food, advice and support in one place so that people experiencing food poverty can access support and free or low cost food in a dignified and friendly setting. 

These warm, welcoming spaces represent a move away from a transactional approach to accessing emergency food towards one of building relationships and providing the support people need to address the challenges they face. 

​
​Meeting places are intended to be local hubs that offer people the chance to feel part of their community, learn, eat, cook, grow, share ideas and have fun!

​An example is Foody Fridays at the Lache Community Centre. This is a collaboration between a number of organisations including West Cheshire Foodbank, Citizens Advice Cheshire West, West Cheshire Credit Union, a local community group and Sanctuary Housing offering a number of services in one place as can be seen in the poster on the left. 

Another example is a community meal prepared in an outdoor kitchen with advice available from Citizens Advice Cheshire West at a community growing space called ‘Grozone’ in Northwich run by Groundwork.



​

---

Meeting Place Values

Friendly
A warm, informal welcome, offering good food and actively creating positive and lasting relationships

Dignifying 
Every response in friendly and inclusive, building communities where all people have equal worth.

Collaborative 
Working together with people and organisations, sharing specialist knowledge and good practice and making best use of resources
​