Community Food Hub launched to tackle food insecurity for residents

South Tyneside-based charity Hospitality & Hope has opened a new community Food Hub at Horsley Hill Square, offering local residents access to low-cost, nutritious meals and free cooking workshops.

- by Gazette Reporter

Peter Maloney, CEO of Hospitality & Hope, addressing guests and staff at the Food Hub. Cllr Tracey Dixon, left, and Cllr Ruth Berkley.

The hub is designed as a dedicated space for "all things food".

It will host a variety of cooking courses and demonstrations, aiming to improve food skills and confidence in a relaxed, inclusive setting.

Workshops are targeted at adults, families, and men-only groups, with a focus on teaching people how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals from scratch.

In addition to the workshops, the hub also provides access to home-style ready meals starting at £2, and 'Meal in a Bag' kits-with ingredients and a recipe included - for £3.

All ingredients and tuition for the cooking sessions are provided free of charge.

Residents living within a 1.5-mile radius of the hub - regardless of employment status - can access the services by becoming a member, which simply requires proof of address, such as a utility bill.