The Food Ladder: Our approach to tackling food insecurity
Rising living costs and stretched public services are impacting our ability to afford things we previously took for granted. For many families in Gloucestershire, the weekly food shop has become a source of anxiety rather than routine. Food insecurity doesn’t exist in isolation; it is closely linked to wider health and housing stability.
At Feeding Gloucestershire, the ‘Food Ladder’ model underpins our work. It is an evidence-based framework that demonstrates how different types of food provision work together to create stronger, more resilient communities.
We use this model to connect various levels of food support across the county, working in partnership with community groups, businesses, and councils to build a more joined-up food system together.
What is the Food Ladder
Developed by Dr Megan Blake at the University of Sheffield, the Food Ladder describes three connected levels (or ‘rungs’) of support. These rungs help people move from immediate crisis toward long-term food security. A healthy local food system requires active support at every level of the Ladder.
The three rungs of the Food Ladder:
3. Self-organising: Long-term community resilience
These are community-led initiatives where people are empowered to meet their own needs and support others. This level builds connected communities and long-term systemic change.
It includes:
- Food co-operatives
- Local food procurement to increases availability of good food
- Local campaigning and advocacy
- Social enterprises providing training, employment, or volunteering opportunities
Connecting the dots for district-wide food equity.
Neighbours sharing the risks, the work, and the harvest.
2. Capacity building: Developing skills and stability
This rung focuses on activities that help people build resilience, confidence and independence. It provides more choice and supports people to move beyond emergency aid.
It includes:
- Food pantries and community supermarkets
- Social eating spaces and community cafes
- Cooking and budgeting workshops
- Community growing projects
These projects often link to wider support such as advice on employment, finances, housing, and wellbeing.
From winter soup to a year-round community hub.
Regenerative farming meets hands-on education.
1. Catching: Crisis support
This is emergency intervention for people in immediate need. It is essential for ensuring no on goes hungry during difficult times.
It includes:
- Foodbanks
- Free meal provision
- Cash or voucher schemes
- Professional signposting
Each level of the ladder plays an essential role. Without crisis support, immediate needs cannot be met. Without capacity building, people may remain reliant on aid. Without community connections and opportunities, long-term change is harder to achieve.
How we use the Food Ladder in Gloucestershire
Recognising food insecurity as a structural issue, rather than an individual one, is essential for designing effective responses. It shifts the focus away from short-term fixes and towards prevention, dignity, and systems-level change.
Feeding Gloucestershire works across all three levels of the Food Ladder to ensure the system is ‘joined up’. We act as the bridge between these rungs by:
- Connecting organisations to share best practice and resources.
- Identifying gaps in support across the county.
- Strengthening partnerships between the voluntary sector and local authorities.
- Developing sustainable solutions that address the root cause of food insecurity.
By using the Food Ladder, we aim to ensure that residents receive immediate help while being supported to build the skills, confidence, and connections that make food security more achievable and sustainable for everyone.
Building for the future
The Food Ladder offers a practical way for our communities to move beyond purely crisis-driven responses. While emergency support remains vital, this approach enables longer-term, preventative interventions that reduce vulnerability over time. It provides a clear starting point for organisations to build local capacity and empower residents to lead the way.