The Food Stop

INVITATION TO THE FOOD STOP LAUNCH – COMMUNITY EVENT AND FUN DAY, TUESDAY 22^nd OCTOBER 2019

St Francis Church invites you to the Community Connect/Food Stop launch event and fun day on

Tuesday 22nd October 2019, 2pm – 4pm

at St Francis Church

146 Tedder Rd, Monks Hill, South Croydon, CR2 8AH.

Community Connect/Food Stop moves the Council’s innovative Gateway approach beyond the local authority and its public sector partners into the community. It is a community-led, multi-agency model that provides innovative housing financial stability, homelessness prevention, employability support and food poverty solutions for the most vulnerable residents, ensuring those most in need become financially stable, able to better manage their money and maximise their income through personal budgeting support, debt management, income maximisation and by gaining employment.

The Food Stop shop is a key part of this. Residents who sign up as members will receive £15-£20 worth of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other foods each week for £3.50 per week, helping residents save an average of £500-£700 per year on their food shopping bills. Food Stop membership conditions provide families with sustainable solutions via Community Connect, including access to homelessness prevention support, debt management, personal budgeting support and a community job club – delivered by Community Connect Alliance members.

Community Connect/Food Stop has achieved some fantastic outcomes for residents in New Addington, where it was piloted, and we are delighted to be launching the initiative here at St Francis Church so that more residents can benefit from the valuable support the initiative offers.

We are planning a fun-filled event for the whole community to enjoy!

What to expect:

· The Food Stop shop will be officially opened during the event

· Residents will be able to sign up for their Food Stop membership

· Information Fair – Community Connect Alliance partners will be showcasing their opportunities and services to local people

· Bouncy Castle

· Free Refreshments

· Networking opportunities

· Plus a range of other activities

To help us keep track of numbers, please book your place by Friday 18^th October

We look forward to welcoming you to St Francis Church

Kind Regards