Winter Household Support Fund now open
Here is a special edition newsletter with information about the latest food round of the Household Support Fund in Bristol
Feeding Bristol are managing the food element of the Winter Household Support Fund (HSF) on behalf of Bristol City Council. Organisations and projects supporting people in Bristol through food have two opportunities to apply for funding this winter:
Grant 1: To support work over the winter school holidays (23rd December to 5th January). Closing date 4th December 2024.
Grant 2: To support work between January and March 2025. Closing date 13th December 2024.
You can apply for both grants. Applications for both grants are open from 20th November 2024.
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a series of local government funds provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It supports vulnerable households with the rising cost of living, and providing support with food is a key part of this.
Feeding Bristol has distributed HSF grants on behalf of Bristol City Council since 2022. The HSF funded organisations supporting people most at-risk of food inequality across the city. We are continuing this partnership for the current round of the Household Support Fund (2024).
The HSF can increase food provision across the city, but we need to make sure that we are improving access to nutritious, affordable, and appropriate food.
To have the most impact from this fund, applicants for the HSF will be asked to refer to the One City Food Equality Strategy and Action Plan (FESAP). This will help us build stronger communities and support the people most affected by rising living costs.
How will funding be distributed?
We will prioritise applications that:
Benefit those most at-risk of food inequality. This includes, but is not limited to:
People experiencing homelessness
Disabled people
Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups
Older people
Children and families
Refugees and asylum seekers
Single person households
Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+
Young people (16-24).
Provide locality-based support. That is, groups or organisations that are working in the areas most at-risk of food inequality.
Link to the city’s vision for Food Equality. All applications will need to demonstrate how they are tackling the priority themes and identified actions from the One City Food Equality Strategy and Action Plan (see below for summary).
Innovate. We encourage groups and organisations to consider new and creative ways of providing food to support to their communities.
Work in partnership. We encourage applications that work in partnership in their communities and local areas.
Have long-term impact. We would like projects to think about developing more sustainable and consistent support.
Consider citizens’ varied needs. Applicants should consider dietary, religious and accessibility needs of the groups and communities they are working with.
How to link applications to Food Equality Strategy
All applications will need to demonstrate how they are tackling at least one of the priority themes in the One City Food Equality Strategy and Action Plan (FESAP).
The application form will ask you to identify the priority theme your project is addressing. You can tick as many as you think are linked to your project.
Summary of priority themes from the FESAP:
Priority Theme 1: Fair, equitable access. Residents can access food that is appropriate for their dietary needs, is culturally appropriate, and affordable.
Priority Theme 2: Choice and security. Everyone can make decisions about their relationship with food and are free from the anxiety and stress of food insecurity.
Priority Theme 3: Skills and resources. Residents can foster a healthy food culture, have confidence in their ability to access and use food to meet their needs, as well as the facilities and fuel to cook with.
Priority Theme 4: Sustainable local food system. The local food system prioritises resilience and sustainability in food production, food waste/surplus management, distribution, economy, and the environmental.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply?
To apply for funding, you will need to complete a short application form. There are two separate application forms, one for Grant 1 and one for Grant 2.
You can access this online, download a copy of the application form from our website or you can email hsf@feedingbristol.org to request an application form. If you prefer, you can also answer the application form questions directly into an email.
Grant 1: Winter School Holidays Application Form (click to download)
Grant 2: General Winter Support Application Form (click to download)
When can I apply?
Grant 1: Winter holiday support (23rd December to 5th January): This grant is open for applications from 20th November to 4th December. We aim to award the funding in the week starting 16th December.
Grant 2: General winter support (January - March): This is open for applications from 20th November to 13th December. We aim to award the funding in the week starting 13th January.
How much can I apply for?
We encourage you to apply for what you need to run your project. However, please be aware that if you are not a constituted organisation you can only apply for a maximum of £1,000, or must partner with another organisation that is constituted.
Can I apply for both grants?
Yes.
What can the grants fund?
The majority of funds need to be spent on improving access to appropriate food.
If you have any specific needs, ideas, or projects that your group or organisation would like to discuss, please email hsf@feedingbristol.org
Can the funds be spent on core costs?
The Department for Work and Pensions allows for approximately 10% of the HSF fund to cover core costs. Core costs may include overheads associated with your organisation that contribute indirectly to the project, e.g. administration time or utilities.
Who can apply?
Organisations, groups and projects can apply for a HSF grant. Individuals cannot apply for themselves.
If you have any questions, please contact us on hsf@feedingbristol.org
Ped Asgarian
Director,
Feeding Bristol
