Shifting from Crisis to Sustainability in Local Food Systems: A case study from the eMbedding heAlth equiTy in City and Hackney (MATCH) programme
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Authors
Joia de Sa
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
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Keywords
Working with people and communities , Economic inclusion , Health equity
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: The Population Health Hub (PHH) is a shared, system resource supporting the City and Hackney Place-based Partnership (PbP). The PHH helps system partners reduce health inequalities and improve our population's health. The PHH established the eMbedding heAlth equiTy in City and Hackney (MATCH) programme to identify and reduce inequalities by working together with partners across the system.
The MATCH food poverty programme area addressed the sharp rise in emergency food demand locally by awarding nearly £50,000 to three equity-led community organisations in City and Hackney - H.O.P.E at Morningside, Bloom Market, and Chatsworth Youth Club. The organisations piloted models that transitioned away from traditional, unsustainable food banks toward income-generating food provision underpinned by an environment of choice, dignity, and respect.
Methods: The programme utilised a participatory approach, bringing together statutory partners, the voluntary sector, and residents to co-design funding priorities. This collaborative process generated four key areas for change, including sustainable food redistribution and community-led nutritional education.
Results: The projects demonstrated significant impact across three domains:
1. Access & Sustainability: 154 households accessed high-quality food at costs 45% lower than supermarkets. H.O.P.E's pantry model reduced foodbank dependency by 55% and generated nearly £5,000 in income to support long-term viability.
2. Environmental Action: Collaborative efforts saved 126,891 kg of food waste in 2024/25. Bloom Market alone redistributed approximately 63,500kg of produce through its network.
3. Health & Social Connection: While 10% of participants noted physical health improvements, 100% of pantry users reported improved mental health due to consistent food access. Furthermore, 90% of parents at Chatsworth's cooking club reported feeling less isolated.
Conclusion: The MATCH Food Poverty programme demonstrates that embedding choice and dignity into food provision successfully engages residents who previously avoided support due to stigma. Successfully transitioning some residents to sustainable, income-generating pantry models, allows the food bank to refocus their limited resources to those with the most acute need. MATCH shows that by embedding health equity into community-led provision, the system can move from reactive emergency provision to preventative and sustainable support.