A new mobile food project has been launched in Torbay to help people affected by the cost of living crisis.

The food provision is being run by Torbay United and Asend.SW CIC under the name of “YUM Project”. YUM stands for YOU+US= MORE and incorporates a social supermarket and foodbank provision.

Torbay United is a collective of churches and other community organisations in Torbay which works to serve people in need in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. 

It will be run from a converted minibus, with a view to reaching people who might find it hard to access current food support schemes in a fixed location.

The fully-equipped converted minibus, which was donated to Torbay United by St Matthias Church in Torquay, will operate five days a week across Torbay utilising church car parks and community centres.

Reverend Nathan Kiyaga, from Torbay United, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Asend.SW CIC to deliver this vital provision for our community. Such services can only be achieved when people decide to work together for the common good.”

Giles Fearnley, Lay Chair of Torbay Deanery, said: “After months of hard work by so many, it is great to be celebrating the launch of this much-needed mobile food provision. The Government’s grant is enabling churches across Torbay to work together and mobilise volunteers to deliver very practical support for those who most need it in our community.”

We helped to fund supplies for the project as part of our support for affordable food clubs throughout the Bay.

Councillor Jackie Stockman, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said: “I’m so pleased we’ve been able to support this mobile food provision. Having enough money to put food on the table is one of the biggest concerns among households and this project will help to alleviate those worries. It’s unique and means that members of the public will find it easier to access help where and when they need it.

“During the pandemic we strengthened our working relationships with faith communities across Torbay. This latest initiative is another example of how faith communities and Torbay Council are having more deeper and meaningful relationships resulting in better outcomes for our communities.”

Torbay United was awarded £120,000 as part of the Faith New Deal pilot fund from the government announced last year.

The money is being used to strengthen the support for families in need as part of the food alliance in Torbay. Some of this money is also being used to launch a new safety scheme for schools.

These projects are done in partnership with ourselves, Churches in Torbay and charities like Asend.SW CIC, LiNX Youth Trust and members of the food alliance, among others.

For further food help, visit our Cost of living webpages.