Action Homeless Food Stop opens

Action Homeless are delighted to announce that our new city centre Food Stop is now fully up and running. The Leicester Food Stop is being run by Action Homeless on behalf of Leicester City Council and was set up to provide emergency food to people in need. Since Action Homeless took over the project in June, 140 food parcels have been given out from the shop located in the Malcolm Arcade.

Financial difficulties caused by benefit sanctions, loss of employment and homelessness have all been cited as reasons why people have had to turn to the Food Stop for help. Seasonal events, such as the school summer holidays, can also put additional pressure on local families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Action Homeless have already seen an increase in demand for emergency food over the summer, with 35% more food parcels being given out in July than the previous month.

The Food Stop aims to ensure that people and families, who do not have enough money to buy food, don’t go hungry by providing food parcels during times of crisis. Food parcels are tailored to the needs of individual customers and, depending on circumstances, can be given out as a one off or for a longer period of time.

The Food Stop is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who are on hand to make sure customers get the most from the food they are given by suggesting recipes and sharing cooking tips. The Food Stop relies on donations of food from food retailers, businesses and members of the public, who help to ensure a ready supply of different food types. If you would like to make a donation please call us on 0116 2623281 or pop into the Food Stop (21, Malcolm Arcade, Leicester, LE1 5FT).

The Food Stop is open every weekday from 1.00pm – 4.30pm. Referrals can be made via the Leicester City Council Community Support Grant service.