Be Enriched: The Bus Bringing Good Food to Brixton

We are requesting £30,000 to support the Food Bus Project in Brixton. This funding will help us continue to tackle food insecurity and poor nutrition by bringing affordable, fresh, and nutritious food directly to SW2. 

What will the project deliver?

The Food Bus Project is a mobile food initiative designed to make healthy, affordable produce accessible to everyone, regardless of income or location. With the rising cost of living driving food prices higher and higher, our converted double decker bus travels across South London, making weekly stops in areas with limited access to affordable food.

Selling a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables, and store cupboard staples, the bus drives fresh food into the heart of local communities. The Brixton bus stop, based at Irby House (SW2 2HJ) every Thursday from 2pm–4pm, provides residents with produce that’s 25% cheaper than supermarkets. 

But the Food Bus is more than just a grocery store on wheels, it’s a community hub too. As well as selling nutritious food, there’s also a cafe on the top deck, where local residents can catch up and exchange recipes and knowledge over a cup of coffee. 

Who will the project support?

Our work focuses on communities facing high levels of deprivation and food poverty. Many of the people we serve face multiple barriers, including:

• Low income or unemployment
• Poor mental health
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Discrimination due to race, religion, gender identity, or sexuality
• Long-term health conditions or disabilities

We also welcome a large number of older residents (65+), many of whom live alone or are living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Our approach ensures that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, creating a safe and welcoming space for all.

What difference will it make? 

The Food Bus Project delivers tangible and lasting impact. In 2024 alone, the bus made 160 stops and served 2,395 customers across Lambeth, Merton, Southwark and Wandsworth. With this funding, we will:

• Provide affordable food to local Brixton residents each month
• Support household budgeting and healthier eating habits
• Reduce isolation by creating social spaces where people can connect
• Strengthen the local food system through partnerships with suppliers and community groups
• Lower carbon impact by reducing food waste and sourcing locally where possible

How the funding will help

The £30,000 will directly support:

• The purchase of fresh food from wholesalers
• Staffing and volunteer training
• Fuel, maintenance, and repairs for the bus
• Community engagement activities and outreach

This investment will ensure the Food Bus continues to deliver consistent, high-quality, affordable food access in Brixton throughout 2026.

Why will it succeed?

The Food Bus Project builds on proven success. Our established routes, community relationships, and dedicated volunteers have already shown that mobile, community-driven food access works. With strong local partnerships, growing demand, and an experienced delivery team, this project is ready to expand its impact and help more people in Brixton access fresh, nutritious food.