Feeding Brixton’s Heart: The Surplus Food Hub (Healthy Living Platform)

What we do

We, at Healthy Living Platform, are asking for £50,000 to help keep the Brixton Surplus Food Hub running strong in the heart of our community. Each week, we supply food to over 40 community groups and three local pantries, reaching more than 2,000 households across Brixton with nutritious food and essential items.

Who we support

The Hub supplies food to residential groups on local estates and specialist services supporting families with disabled children, women’s groups, young people in care, sanctuary seekers, and people experiencing homelessness.

Our community partners use the food in different ways through low-cost pantries, community cafés, hot lunches, food shares, and social activities that bring people together. These shared meals and food spaces provide access to nutritious, affordable food, create connection, reduce isolation, and open the door to wider support and advice.

For many, this food is a lifeline. It helps people keep the lights on, put meals on the table, and avoid falling into debt or crisis. As the cost of living continues to rise, this support remains vital for thousands of households across Brixton.

How we work

A small team of local staff and volunteers manage and redistribute over 5 tonnes of surplus food every week. We receive food from The Felix Project and City Harvest, storing it safely in our warehouse before distributing it to our community partners when and where it’s needed most.

Equipped with electric vehicles, a pallet stacker, walk in fridge and freezer and other specialist equipment, the Hub operates efficiently, reducing food waste while supporting Lambeth’s journey to net zero.

Healthy and affordable food

Eating well on a tight budget shouldn’t be impossible. The Food Hub makes a balanced diet achievable, following the NHS Eatwell model and providing fruit, vegetables, proteins, and culturally relevant foods that reflect Brixton’s diversity. We also supply household essentials and toiletries to help families stretch their budgets further.

Impact and difference

People tell us what a difference it makes: “The pantry means I can buy fruit again without worrying if we’ll have enough for the gas.”

Our work doesn’t just fill cupboards, it reduces waste, improves health, and builds community connection. Every portion of fresh produce lowers the risk of long-term health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, while shared food activities reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

Beyond food, the Hub helps groups engage more deeply with residents, understand their challenges, and provide better, more holistic support.

An independent evaluation is underway, but with over five years of proven success, we already know this model works to strengthen and sustain Brixton’s communities.

How the funding will be used

Funding will support the Hub’s running costs: staff time, vehicle maintenance, utilities, and purchasing essential food and household items to complement surplus supplies. These costs are critical to ensuring we can continue providing a reliable, dignified, and healthy food offer for Brixton’s communities throughout 2026.

Let’s keep feeding Brixton’s heart - reducing waste, improving health, and keeping good food flowing to where it’s needed most.

https://haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/en-GB/ideas/feeding-brixton-s-heart-the-surplus-food-hub