An affordable food project in Holsworthy has secured its future thanks to a National Lottery grant.

Holsworthy Food Hub opened its doors just nine months ago and is already helping 140 households. In January 2024 they sold their thousandth bag of food, bringing an estimated £10,000 of extra food to low-income households.

Its future has been secured by an Awards for All grant of £7,250 from the National Lottery Community fund.  

Alison Knight, community connector at LiveWest, who has spearheaded the project, said: “This will fund rent and some of the food costs, and means that the project is financially secure for two to three years.”

This means that current and potential new customers will be able to continue to depend on accessing affordable food.

Holsworthy’s nearest budget supermarket is more than eight miles away. People with limited money, no transport or mobility issues are likely to buy additional food from local convenience shops at higher prices. At the food hub households can buy a bag of food for £5 with a value of at least £15; larger households can buy two bags.

Alison continued: “FareShare South West supply around a third of our food. Additionally, we buy low-cost supermarket food, so we can provide cereal, milk, pasta or rice and jar sauces: staples so people can rely on us.”

One of the hub’s regular customers said: “I want to say thank you for the food hub! Mum was very happy with the variety and has been able to eat every day.”  Another commented “This is a really good way to make my pension go further.”

Holsworthy is a rural area, leaving many people feeling isolated. As well as an affordable place to shop, the hub offers free refreshments and a warm welcome.

The vital local project was in part achievable through the support of LiveWest, Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT) and Taw & Torridge Voluntary Services (TTVS).