WaterSprings Christian Centre
FAMILY FOOD HIVE
Family Food Hive (Completed May 2024) | Past Project
The Family Food Hive is our community initiative supporting women and young people in Luton who are struggling with food insecurity caused by rising food prices and unemployment. Luton currently faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the borough at 5.3%, compared to the UK average of 3.6%. This has led to increasing levels of depression, poor mental health, and social isolation, especially among people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds, who make up 24% of the town’s population.
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Through the Family Food Hive, we provide hot evening meals inspired by African and Caribbean cuisine to women and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over a three-month period, we aim to serve up to 100 people each week, offering not only nutritious meals but also a welcoming space where participants can share experiences, connect with others, and access guidance on coping during the cost-of-living crisis.
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This project helps take away the stress of wondering where the next meal will come from, while giving participants the chance to take home food for the next day. We also want to build hope, friendship, and community resilience.
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To spread the word, we’ll share flyers at Luton Station, the Bus Interchange, the Mall, and Bury Park, key locations where many local BME residents gather. We’ll also run surveys and short interviews to gather feedback to improve future projects.
Having supported over 50 people in previous food initiatives, and with over a decade of lived community experience, we are well placed to deliver meaningful relief and impact.
HOW THE PROJECT HELPS
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect families, more women and young people in Luton are finding it difficult to afford healthy meals. Many have withdrawn from community life due to financial pressures and emotional strain.
The Family Food Hive is helping change this. By offering free, nutritious evening meals, we’re encouraging people to rebuild confidence, find support, and create positive new connections. Each meal session provides a safe, lively, and welcoming environment where participants can regain hope, share stories, and access advice to help them through challenging times.
Families also receive food packs to take home, ensuring that support continues beyond each session.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In May 2024, we hosted an Open Day at our facility on Melson Street, with over 93 attendees. We wanted to understand how women and young people were coping with the rising cost of living. More than 90% said they needed help with food and opportunities to connect with others to reduce loneliness.
We also spoke with 40 people at Luton Mall, 25 representatives from youth groups, women’s charities, and the Luton Council. Their feedback helped shape the Family Food Hive into an evening meal program that promotes social connection and community resilience. Our project aligns with the Luton 2040 vision to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous community.
We’re collaborating with five local African and Caribbean restaurants, whose input helped design our meal plans and delivery schedule. Funding will support food sourcing, volunteer engagement, publicity, and operational costs, while ensuring safety, inclusion, and dignity for all participants.
OUR MISSION
At Watersprings Christian Centre, our mission is to make our community better, safer, and more resilient, empowering every person to live out their full potential.
We work closely with local partners and stakeholders to ensure that young adults, women, men, and the elderly all receive the support they need to thrive, contribute positively to society, and do so in ways that protect and preserve our planet.
HELP US TO SPREAD OUR
LOVE AND FAITH
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