Joanna Scott, Programme Director for Feeding Gloucestershire represented the county at Feeding Britain’s Summer Parliamentary Reception on Wednesday 18th June at the House of Lords.

The event was opened by Baroness Rosie Boycott and Chair of Feeding Britain who welcomed regional partners and invited them to share their work growing a network of affordable food initiatives and helping individuals and families rely less on ‘crisis’ support provided by Food Banks and become more food resilient.

Andrew Forsey, National Director, Feeding Britain illustrated data from their latest Affordable Food Clubs Impact Report (April 2025) which supports 426 Affordable Food Clubs across 133 regional and local partnerships, representing a growth of nearly 700% since 2021. This rapid expansion reflects both the rising need for food support and the growing recognition of Affordable Food Clubs as a sustained and dignified model of provision.

Network reflections and updates were provided by Karen Mullan, Director, Foyle Network Foundation (pictured with Andrew Forsey), Nina Parmar, Food Aid Manager, Sufra NW London and Penny Walters, Pantry Coordinator, Newcastle.