URBAN GOODIES CIC

SOCIAL IMPACT

Urban Goodies CIC is a community enterprise working with the local community to provide an online Cookery School, hot meals and food packages in order to meet emerging community needs around food poverty during the Covid pandemic and thereafter. For the relief of food insecurity, advancement of health and nutritional issues, social inclusion and improve health and wellbeing. We are aiming to work with all sectors of the community; elderly, marginalised and those experiencing food insecurity.

Since 2016 we have been wowing Coventry with our nutritious and affordable fusion food; first at Coventry Market and then during a successful twelve month pop-up at the acclaimed CET Building arts project. With thousands of people eating our food over the last 5 years, we know that Coventry loves what we do. 

In March 2020 in partnership with HCCA and with support from Heart of England Community Foundation we started cooking healthy, nourishing meals which were delivered to members of the community struggling due to the Covid-19 crisis. 

To date we have worked with 3 local charities and provided over 500 meals to the local community. 

THE PROBLEM

Our third lockdown has proven that the health of our Coventry community is in jeopardy, the elderly, isolated and those experiencing food insecurity are going hungry and many people are worried about going to the shops for food. Many people’s livelihoods have collapsed.

We identified during the 1st lockdown that we needed a dedicated kitchen and delivery service in order to reach out to those persons most marginalised and isolated across Coventry. Not only to provide a nourishing hot meal, but also to create an online community around food and empower people to cook the same meals at home.

As our cookery school was very well attended pre Covid and our food delivery service was very well received; it is clear that we need to innovate and modify our model so that we are able to support more people living in food poverty.

THE SOLUTION

through the provision of:-

• a professional delivery service
• a kitchen to cook from 
• a dedicated online facility teaching people how to cook for free with potential career progression into the hospitality sector, that reaches out across all social media platforms

THE RESULTS

With a dedicated kitchen and delivery service Urban Goodies CIC will be able to prepare and deliver food not only to those persons experiencing Covid-19 related issues; but to the general public, thereby raising necessary funding to support the community element of the business. 

This equates to free cookery courses and free hot meals delivered to those most at risk of going hungry.

Cooking with us will help participants improve their diet, health and sense of wellbeing. They gain new understanding of nutrition, learn how to balance their meals and look after themselves better. Completing the course gives people increased motivation, self-esteem and the ability and aspiration to pass on their new skills to other people, leading to improved relationships and better lives.

The provision of a free cooked meal would operate in exactly the same way as for paying customers; thereby breaking down the stigma associated with donated food this would serve to encourage a sense of community around food, build social cohesion and empower people to cook their own fresh food, which in turn would contribute to their food bill being lowered.

Our friendly delivery service will have local companies delivering meals directly to people’s doorstep, offering a much needed smile and check in to those most vulnerable and isolated. This service is much more than food, it is a lifeline.

Offering a takeaway facility to paying customers will in the long run ensure that Urban Goodies CIC is sustainable and not reliant on funding and therefore continues to be able to provide for those members of the community who are at most at risk of going hungry.  

Delivery charges (for donated food) = £1500

Premises (kitchen) rental = £1500

Start up provisions for food cupboard/care packages = £1,000

Equipment (Covid19 safe/tamper proof packaging, labelling, PPE equipment, possibly extra sink for FSA requirements etc) = £2,000

Marketing, branding & printing = £1,000

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

Cookery school student Sharron said :-

“For anyone wanting to learn how to cook and gain kitchen skills,  a place on this course is a must!”

Local business owner, Chris Ramsbottom, board member says :-

”For some years now I've been worried about the ability of children, young people and younger parents to cook nutritious meals from basic ingredients", she said. …..I know how hard it is to raise a family on very little money. When I was asked to come on board with this project I jumped at the chance. I've supported what URBAN have been doing from afar, and now I have the chance to make a difference here.”

Vicki said :-

“Hi guys we were both poorly weds night but did we ever make up for it tonight!!! I didn't even get the chance to take any pics....it was just THAT BLOOMIN GOOD! Seriously, it was gorgeous! It was so filling and mega mega tasty...the noises coming from the hubby and I were shocking! I also have to make a confession...I don't like Chick Peas but wow...cooked like that I need them in my life every day!! Thank you so very very much Urban...you took care of us when we needed it most and I just never be thankful enough. You are wonderful and your food...well it's a whole other level!! I can't wait to order again and pay it forward to help others enjoy such fab food esp in times of need. Please feel free to share this. Much love to you all. xx”