Social Supermarket Fund

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council invites Expressions of Interest from community and voluntary organisations interested in delivering Social Supermarket pilot projects through funding being made available through the ‘Social Supermarket Fund’. This fund aims to transition away from the emergency response to a more sustainable, long term response to food poverty.

What a Social Supermarket is

The aim of a social supermarket model is to offer a longer term and sustainable response to food insecurity by seeking to help address the root causes of poverty rather simply provide food. This is achieved through the provision of a referral network for wraparound support which includes, but is not limited to:

· advice on debt,

· benefits,

· budgeting,

· healthy eating,

· housing,

· physical and mental health referral,

· education, training and volunteering opportunities to enhance employability skills.

It is intended this will provide a long-term solution in a dignified manner rather than short term crisis provision.

Objective and Scope

The objective of the Social Supermarket funds is to support and work towards holistic, flexible, sustainable social supermarket type approaches to food insecurity/food poverty addressing both the underlying cause and the immediate need.

Key elements should include

· Providing support ‘beyond food’ i.e. access to wraparound support services which transitions people out of food poverty ’ and respects the dignity of clients

· Maximising existing structures, services and partnerships to provide wraparound support.

Not in Scope

The funding is not available to provide direct payments to vulnerable people.

Duration

These additional funds will be released during the financial year ending 31st March 2022.

Submission of Expressions of Interest

Expressions of Interest should take the format of a written submission that outlines:

· what activity would be delivered,

· the approximate cost associated with the delivery

· what outcomes this activity would achieve within the context of this fund.

Outcomes should include anticipated number of users, quantity of food redistributed and uptake of wrap-around support services (eg debt counselling, benefits advice, healthy eating advice, budgeting advice, essential skills, training / employability skills, supported employment / work experience, supported housing)

Projects that demonstrate a partnership approach are particularly welcome.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted to via email to communitysupport@fermanaghomagh.com no later than 5pm Friday 14th January 2022.