Our Projects
Cup of Tea
The two-year Cup of Tea research project, funded by Trussell, is a deep dive into understanding inclusion at Newquay Foodbank.
Project description
We recognise that people experience food insecurity differently and that access to support may be affected by a range of factors. These may include ethnicity, disability, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, income and wider social circumstances.
This project has been established to better understand the experiences of individuals and communities who may face barriers when accessing food bank services. It will develop practical, evidence-based improvements that promote accessibility, inclusion and equity.
A range of resources, including guidance, tools, templates, training materials and a transferable handbook that can be used by other food banks across the UK is an anticipated outcome.
The project is guided by the following research question:
How do intersecting factors such as ethnicity, disability, gender and socioeconomic status influence access to Newquay Foodbank, and what targeted measures can improve inclusion for all groups?
Food banks exist to support people experiencing hardship. However, individuals may face additional barriers due to:
- Disability
- Language
- Transport difficulties
- Cultural differences
- Digital exclusion
- Stigma
- Previous experiences of discrimination
- Financial disadvantage
Understanding these barriers is essential if services are to be accessible and welcoming to all.
Our aim is to identify and address barriers to accessing Newquay Foodbank’s services. By further understanding the impact of ethnicity, disability, gender and socioeconomic status, we can implement evidence-based and authentic measures that improve inclusion, accessibility and equitable outcomes for all members of the community.
It is an opportunity to collaborate with those who already use our foodbank, our wider community, and stakeholder groups and partner organisations, while also working with staff, volunteers and trustees to inform understanding.
Our Director Zoe Nixon said: “We welcome honest feedback about what works well and what could be improved.
“Our charity values of compassion, fairness, dignity, integrity and collaboration reflect our ongoing commitment to those in need of our assistance, and those we work with.
“We want to ensure we are always mindful of removing barriers to access where found, and learning from those.”
The project’s success will lie in:
Accessibility
Improved physical and communication accessibility.
Inclusion
Greater participation from a broader range of communities.
Representation
Improved engagement with underrepresented groups.
Confidence
Increased volunteer, staff and trustee understanding of Equity/Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles.
Partnerships
Stronger and more diverse community relationships.
Legacy
Creation of sustainable tools and resources that can be used by other food banks.