In July 2022 we announced a cost-of-living emergency and agreed a £2 million fund to help residents hardest hit. We know that our current services are continuing to see an increase in residents accessing their services.
Cabinet agreed an allocation from tranche 3 of this fund for activities tackling food insecurity, as a key priority area. In December 2024, Cabinet members agreed that a portion of this funding would be allocated towards the creation of a new food distribution hub.
We are establishing this local surplus food distribution hub (Surplus Food Hub) to source, coordinate and distribute surplus food to food aid organisations in the borough, ensuring they can provide sufficient, safe and nutritious food (and other goods) to their users.
Timeline
Applications for this fund closed at 5pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Next steps:
- Week beginning 3 March 2025 - Application assessment panel.
- 14 March 2025 - Notification of funding decision.
- 28 March 2025 - Funding agreed and allocated.
- End of March or early April 2025 - successful applicant(s) mobilisation.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact voluntary.sector@merton.gov.uk