Districts across East Kent are working together to host a series of roadshows during July, August and September. The roadshows will focus on providing targeted help and advice for local families who may need extra support as a result of rising food prices.
The events will bring together a range of partner organisations including frontline NHS staff and council officers, outreach organisations and charities, in one easy-to-access place. Families will be able to access a range of services including:
- Guidance from Our Kitchen on shopping, preparing and cooking healthy, nutritious meals
- Benefits and housing advice
- Information on where and how to access local food banks
- Advice on what support is available locally by Connect Well East Kent
- Health MOT’s from Kent Community Health (NHS) Foundation Trust
The roadshows are free to attend and people are invited to drop in to the events that are taking place across Ashford:
Friday 5 August, 9am to 12pm at Ray Allen car park TN23 5FH *
Wednesday 24 August, 12pm to 3pm at Repton Community Trust TN23 3RX
Wednesday 7 September, 9am to 4pm at One You, Park Mall TN24 8RY
In addition to the services mentioned above these events will also offer:
- Recipe bags with all ingredients to make two recipes along with instructions
- Fare Share Kent Family Food Bank offering food items including fresh fruit and vegetables
- The Hygiene Bank will be providing hygiene items
- Ashford Children’s Centre – including activities for children
- EK Group – providing information about their digital courses
* Stanhope Community Pantry and Strengthening Minds – Stanhope Community Hub – will also be there on 5 August.
Cllr Paul Bartlett, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Safety and Wellbeing said: “Increasing numbers of people are facing difficulties with the current cost of living crisis which, in turn, has a huge impact on mental and physical health. Eating well and gaining the nutrition our bodies need to function and stay healthy is so important.
“These roadshows are a fantastic opportunity for people to get advice on how to save money but still be able to eat well and we look forward to welcoming them and giving them the support they need.”
About the Roadshows
The roadshows are being funded by Kent County Council Helping Hands after a successful bid application by the East Kent Food Poverty Group. Events are also taking place in the districts of Canterbury, Folkestone and Hythe, Dover and Thanet.