Nourishing Norfolk
Building healthier communities through food.
“I was very hesitant to start with because I thought there are people worse off than me, but then I got to the point where I’ve got to use it … since then I have been using it on and off and it has been a great help.
“We don’t drive and live rurally, the local shop continuously puts up his prices and we simply could not afford to buy food from there, without this scheme we would not eat.”
“When I first heard about Nourishing Norfolk, it sounded like a great initiative. It was an immediate fit for us as the project ensures that everybody eats well in Norfolk, and no one goes hungry. Norse Group’s aim has always been to improve people’s lives, and through this partnership, I truly believe we can make a difference to those across Norfolk.”
“I am helping with the community gardens and my daughter will come too, so that so she will know where food comes from. Because of this place and the skills I have learned, I have been offered an apprenticeship. I am nervous, but I am excited for the future.”
Did you know…
Food is a vital part of life for Norfolk communities, sustaining livelihoods, keeping us healthy and bringing people together. But across the county, thousands of families are struggling to access the quality, affordable food they need.
What’s the solution?
Nourishing Norfolk builds stronger communities through food. When good food is accessible and affordable in friendly local spaces, it opens the door to conversation, support and new opportunities. From there, people can connect, cook, grow and share, building skills and friendships along the way. Food gives everyone the chance to be seen and heard, helping communities grow stronger, healthier and more resilient.
How are we helping?
Since 2020, worked with communities to show that food can bring people together, build confidence and skills, and protect communities from external crises. We have helped open dozens of food hubs in partnership with local charities. These welcoming, local spaces are creating healthier, more connected communities by:
- Making groceries affordable, so people can manage on their budget and avoid reaching crisis point
- Offering extra support, from money advice and cookery classes to employment guidance, helping people tackle challenges in their lives.
- Bringing people together, building healthier, more connected communities that can better withstand life’s ups and downs.
Nourishing Norfolk: a Model for Stronger Communities
An independent evaluation by the University of East Anglia has shown that our Nourishing Norfolk programme is doing so much more than tackling food insecurity. Through a network of 26 food hubs, it is laying the foundations for long-term resilience.
UEA’s rigorous evaluation shows that for every £1 invested, the programme delivers £6.54 of social value, reaching over 40,000 people while reducing isolation, improving health, and giving households the breathing space to thrive. It is a model unlike anything else in the UK, and one that others will now be watching closely.
Discover the impact of our work to build healthier communities
Help us combat food insecurity in Norfolk
You can help make a difference today by donating to the Nourishing Norfolk Fund, to help secure sustainability for food support in Norfolk.
You could also find your nearest food hub and grow for your community in your garden, allotment or farm, or volunteer your time.
Donations can be made by:
- Completing the donation form on the page.
- Sending a cheque made payable to Norfolk Community Foundation (referencing ‘Nourishing Norfolk Fund’ on the reverse) to Norfolk Community Foundation, First Floor, Carmelite House, 2 St James Court, Norwich, NR3 1SL.
Working together for Norfolk
Thank you to our partners for their significant support:
Nourishing Norfolk is made possible by hundreds of local and national organisations and individuals who want to work with us to create a future where everyone can access the food they need.
Norse – Norse have helped establish a central distribution hub for Nourishing Norfolk, providing warehousing and logistics for weekly distribution of staple products. Reliable food supply is critical for Nourishing Norfolk food hubs, and Norse’s support ensures shelves of every hub are stocked reliably with what their communities need.
Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) – Sitting at the centre of Norfolk’s agricultural life since 1847, the RNAA not only provided warehousing for the trial of the distribution network, but also acts as a convenor for the farming community. The Network is an ideal way of getting surpluses onto local people’s tables, especially those who are struggling to access food right now. If you are interested, talk to Victoria to find out more.
Charity Partners – Each food hub is managed by a trusted local charity partner. From the Swan Youth Project in Downham Market to the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre Charitable Trust in Gorleston, each local grassroots organisation has unique insight into the issues facing the neighbourhoods they serve, making them the perfect partners for delivering support that really clicks with the community.
Our Donors – We’re proud to be working with local funding partners, like Norfolk County Council and Breckland District Council, as well as national funders like Feeding Britain, the National Lottery and the Mercers’ Company. Together, with donations from local people and businesses, Nourishing Norfolk is growing and providing for more people each day.
Interested? Talk to Victoria
