Bradford and Airedale PCT ... Homeless & Asylum Food Co-operative


Summary:

A five day fruit and vegetable co-operative opened at Bevan House in April 2005 to improve the diet of our client group. We sell cost price fresh vegetables and fruit to our clients and their families who are seeking asylum, living as a refugee or homeless. Client participation is integral to this project.

Action:

o The co-operative is held weekly for two hours on a Tuesday afternoon. It is a partnership project between Horton Housing and Bradford City tPCT.

o The whole team is committed to promoting a healthier lifestyle for our clients who have limited finances and opportunities to eat healthily.

o We are guided by a culturally diverse client group who inform us which fruits and vegetables they prefer to eat.

Outcome:

o Good attendance from the start

o Improved team working and staff morale

o As a spin off, the staff at Bevan have improved their own diets

o Providing access to healthy foods for a client group who are disadvantaged when it comes to choosing a healthy diet

o A very practical way to empower clients by involving them in the process.

Additional:

'Five a day' is the NHS initiative food co-op and is supported by Bradford Community Environment Project with whom we work alongside in this initiative.

Contact:

Bevan House Homeless & Asylum Outreach Team

Fiona Learner

152 Sunbridge Road, Bradford BD1 2HA

01274 227555 fiona.lerner@bradford.nhs.uk