Measuring our impact – FoodSavers

We’ve worked with Research Retold and the Social Value Engine to produce a report on the impact of the FoodSavers Network.

A similar report is available into the impact of our work through the Household Support Fund.

FoodSavers Impact Report: tackling food insecurity and building financial resilience

The problem: Food insecurity in the UK

• 18% of UK households experience food insecurity, lacking access to enough fresh, nutritious food
• 4 million children live in households impacted by food insecurity
• The Northeast is the worst affected region, with 27.8% of households experiencing food insecurity
• Households with children, elderly, ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities or on benefits are more likely to be food insecure.

One solution: FoodSavers

FoodSavers offers high quality fresh and store cupboard food for a low weekly membership fee (typically £6). Membership also gives customers the opportunity to save in a recognised Credit Union scheme and enjoy other member benefits.

As a network of food outlets, FoodSavers offers an innovative solution to these economic challenges, helping customers to:

• save money on their weekly shop
• save food from going to landfill
• save into a Credit Union scheme.

FoodSavers’ strategy is grounded in its ‘Five Quarters of the Orange’ principles, which guide every aspect of the programme:

• Behaviour change
• Choice
• Dignity
• Empowerment
• Financial inclusion

Social Return in Investment

Through the Social Value Engine calculations, we determined that the Social Return on Investment for the FoodSavers programme is an impressive £17.70 for every £1 invested.

SROI linked to 5 Sustainable Development Goals:

• 1 No poverty
• 2 Zero hunger
• 8 Decent work and economic growth
• 11 Sustainable cities and communities
• 12 Responsible consumption and production.

Key measurements this year

• 1,200 weekly shoppers across the network
• Customers saved around £1.6 million on their weekly shop
• 750 new membership to Credit Unions
• Over £57,500 saved into the Credit Unions
• 25 voluntary and community sector groups supported
• 8 new pantries partnered with FoodSavers in 2023-24
• A bespoke CRM platform
• 160 tons of food diverted from landfill
• 2 new Credit Unions onboarded
• A new rewards app offering fresh produce vouchers and cookery classes to encourage ongoing participation and support healthier lifestyles
• 500 families supported with our Nourishing Communities Fresh Food Vouchers
• 125 families support with cookery classes
• FoodSavers recognised by Bradford Council in their Anti-Poverty and Good Food strategies

Impacts

Food Security and economy

• Advocate to local government as part of local campaigning for policies that support access to sustainable, affordable food
• Facilitate connections between other charitable organisations
• Assist with access to financial and other support for community members via a Credit Union.

Sustainability and resilience

• Develop the FoodSavers network of social supermarkets to support more people in accessing food at affordable prices
• Offer wraparound services to support customers holistically
• Reduce food waste by using surplus food in food outlets
• Encourage allotment owners to donate fresh produce through ‘Share your Spare’ (an allotment food recovery scheme).

Access and demand for healthy, local food

• Offer food growing packs and work with local allotments
• Accept Healthy Start vouchers
• Provide access to fruit and vegetables through Nourishing Communities vouchers
• Raise awareness of the benefits of healthy local food through cooking classes and conversations in the food outlets.

Health and wellbeing

• Improve physical and mental health
• Offer volunteering opportunities
• Offer food workshops and classes
• Improves financial anxiety and sleep quality.