Feeding Bristol are managing the food element of the Household Support Fund (HSF) on behalf of Bristol City Council.We have a small pot of funding to support food projects between December to April. All grants must be spent by the end of March 2024.
Applications for grants are open from 30th October to 24th November 2023.
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a series of local government funds provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It supports vulnerable households with the rising cost of living, and providing support with food is a key part of this.
Feeding Bristol have distributed HSF grants on behalf of Bristol City Council over the last year, funding organisations supporting people most at-risk of food inequality across the city. The HSF can increase food provision across the city, but we need to make sure that we are improving access to nutritious, affordable, and appropriate food.
To have the most impact from this fund, applicants for the HSF will be asked to refer to the One City Food Equality Strategy and Action Plan (FESAP). This will help us build stronger communities and support the people most affected by current and recent challenges.
How will funding be distributed?
We will prioritise applications that:
•Benefit those most at-risk of food inequality. This includes, but is not limited to:
- People experiencing homelessness
- Disabled people
- Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups
- Older people
- Children and families
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Single person households
- Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+
- Young people (16-24).
• Provide locality-based support. That is, groups or organisations that are working in the areas most at-risk of food inequality.
• Link to the city’s vision for Food Equality. All applications will need to demonstrate how they are tackling the priority themes and identified actions from the One City Food Equality Strategy and Action Plan (see below for summary).
•Innovate. We encourage groups and organisations to consider new and creative ways of providing food to support to their communities.
• Work in partnership. We encourage applications that work in partnership in their communities and local areas.
• Have long-term impact. We would like projects to think about developing more sustainable and consistent support.
• Consider citizens’ varied needs. Applicants should consider dietary, religious and accessibility needs of the groups and communities they are working with.
How to link applications to Food Equality
All applications will need to demonstrate how they are tackling at least one of the priority themes in the One City Food Equality Strategy and Action Plan (FESAP).
The application form will ask you to identify the priority theme your project is addressing. You can tick as many as you think are linked to your project. Summary of eligible priority themes from the FESAP:
• Priority Theme 1: Fair, equitable access. Residents can access food that is appropriate for their dietary needs, is culturally appropriate, and affordable.
• Priority Theme 2: Choice and security. Everyone can make decisions about their relationship with food and are free from the anxiety and stress of food insecurity.
• Priority Theme 3: Skills and resources. Residents can foster a healthy food culture, have confidence in their ability to access and use food to meet their needs, as well as the facilities and fuel to cook with.
• Priority Theme 4: Sustainable local food system. The local food system prioritises resilience and sustainability in food production, food waste/surplus management, distribution, economy, and the environmental.
How can I apply?
To apply for funding, you will need to complete a short application form. You can access this online, or you can email ped@feedingbristol.org a complete application form. If you prefer, you can also answer the application form questions directly into an email. -
When can I apply?
The grant is open for applications from 30th October to 24th November 2023. Please submit your applications by no later than 5pm. We aim to award the funding by 15th December 2023.
Your project will need to spend the funds by the end of March 2024. The funds can be used for short-term projects within this time, or for a project spanning the whole period.
How much can I apply for?
We encourage you to apply for what you need to run your project. However, please be aware that if you are not a constituted organisation you can only apply for a maximum of £1,000 or must partner with another organisation that is.
Can I apply if I have already had an HSF grant this year?
If you have received funding from the Household Support Fund this year (2023-24) you can still apply for this grant. However, it is important to note that applicants who have not received funding will be given priority.
Can the funds be spent on core costs?
The Department for Works and Pensions dictates that the majority of this funding needs to be spent on improving access to food. Therefore, we require 90% of the funding to go towards direct project costs, and 10% can go towards core costs.
Core costs are costs that are attributed to the overheads of running your organisation and can include management costs, staff costs, utilities and room hire and administration time. If you have any specific needs, ideas, or projects that your group or organisation would like to discuss, please get in touch.
Ped Asgarian - ped@feedingbristol.org
Director, Feeding Bristol