Access to Food – Update
The Access to Food scheme closed at the end of March 2025.
Since April 2024, the Coalition – in partnership with Good Company and funded by Surrey County Council – ran the Access to Food scheme. The scheme funded a taxi ride to Disabled applicants nearest food bank, or in exceptional circumstances, a supermarket voucher.
In total, Access to Food provided:
- 29 referrals to food banks by The Coalition, out of these 10 were delivered.
- 6 taxi journeys covered by The Coalition
- 22 households granted supermarket vouchers (distributed by Good Company)
Some applicants told us:
“I am very grateful for the food shop voucher I received. Such a blessing to know that when we ask for help, there is help available. Thanks a million for the precious support.” – Applicant
“In … [2024], my [partner] unexpectedly left me. I was distraught, panicked and shocked. I became physically unwell, because of the shock that this situation caused.
I am retired and have multiple physical disabilities. I emailed the Access to Food scheme to enquire whether I could have any assistance from my local Food Bank. This was the first time I had ever sought such help.
The Food Support Officer spoke kindly to me and made a referral to [my local] Food bank.
I was amazed when [my local] Food Bank telephoned me and said that a food parcel was on its way.
Within half a hour, there was a knock on the door and a gentleman handed me a food parcel. Nobody made me feel embarrassed. I felt as if somebody cared. This helped me to feel calmer. This food delivery helped me at a time of crisis for me.
It was easy to contact the Access to Food scheme by email. I received two phones about my request and then a food parcel was delivered.
I never ever thought I would feel the need to request help from a Food Scheme. But as I found out life can have all sorts of twists and turns. This help, gave me the breathing space that I needed.
I was very grateful to The Coalition and the [my local] Food Bank for their help.” – Applicant
The Access to Food scheme highlighted a lack of accessibility at food banks. Currently The Coalition is exploring funding opportunities for access visits by Disabled people to multiple food support sites in Surrey.