Issue - meetings

The Committee received an oral presentation from Dan Mitchell Play Development Officer regarding Food Hub provision in the city. Details of the presentation can be found at

Agenda for North Area Committee on Thursday, 19th November, 2020, 6.30 pm - Cambridge Council

The Committee made the following comments in response to the presentation:

1.  Asked what days and times food hubs were open.

Details for Opening times for Food Hubs in Cambridge and further information could be found via

Cambridge Emergency Food Support — Cambridge Sustainable Food webpage.

2. Had worked with a family who were suffering financial hardship and fuel poverty. The family’s electricity supply was turned off as they weren’t able to make electricity payments.  The Councillor had worked with the family to get the electricity turned back on. This had happened over the weekend so they just wanted to make sure everyone was aware what support was available and when.

3. Referred to an article in the Economist ‘Hungry for Answers’ which explained the background to Food Hubs and might motivate people to get out and lend a hand.

4. Asked what support the council was providing to Food Hubs over the Christmas period and what consideration had been given to a potential increase in demand.

The Food Hub at Buchan Street Community Centre would remain open on selected dates over the Christmas period so the council could continue to deliver fair share food to Food Hubs. Chefs from the Meadows Community Centre were building up a stock of frozen meals which could be sent out to Food Hubs over the Christmas period. Feedback from Food Hubs was that they would be open at some points over the Christmas period. There may be some gaps in provision and the intention was that Food Hubs could stock up with frozen food so that people could stock up to cover any ‘gaps’ in provision.

5. Thanked Councillor Collis and officers who were providing food, support and assistance to residents during the covid-19 pandemic.

6. Food Hubs were open every day except Sunday.  People did not need a voucher and could just turn up and there were no geographical restrictions to where people could go.

7. The Food Bank voucher scheme entitled people to emergency food 3 times. Lots of different places could refer people to a Food Bank including churches, schools and Citizen’s Advice.

8. Asked if Food Hubs could provide seeds and plants to enable people to grow their own food.

Several Food Hubs had given out plants / herbs.  There was also a herb garden at the rear of the Cherry Hinton Food Hub which was looked after by residents and which anyone could use.  This was something being looked at as part of the Council’s Sustainable Food Policy. 

Councillor Collis agreed to ask the Steering Group at Cambridge Sustainable Food whether donations could be sought from garden centres to encourage people to grow their own food.