Paula Woolven, the founder of Havens Food Cooperative, is facing a tough situation. Her charity, based in Newhaven, may have to shut down due to a lack of funding. Since its inception in 2020, the cooperative has played a vital role in the community by rescuing excess, mislabelled, and imperfect food from 19 supermarkets between Brighton and Eastbourne. They distribute this food to food banks, schools, families, and community groups, helping over 60 households daily.
Every month, Paula and her team of 50 volunteers collect more than three tonnes of food. Yet, she warns that closing the cooperative would be a “travesty.” Securing financial support has become increasingly difficult, as competition for grants rises. “Local authorities are under financial strain, making it tough for charities like ours to secure funding,” she explained.
If the funding situation does not improve, Paula may be forced to stop food collections by March 25. Her daughter, Rebecca Woolven, who manages the cooperative, shared her deep concern over the potential closure. “It would be heartbreaking,” she said. “This charity has become a lifeline for so many people.”
Currently, Havens Food Cooperative needs £30,000 to cover essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and gas for volunteers. Funding from lotteries opens on April 1, but it typically takes four months to receive a response. A petition started by Councillor Sean Macleod has garnered over 540 signatures, appealing to the Lewes District Council for support. He emphasized the cooperative’s significant contribution to families facing food insecurity.
The Lewes District Council has previously helped the cooperative secure £200,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2023. However, due to reduced funding from the government, they encourage Paula to apply for additional grants and funding opportunities that may arise.
The future of Havens Food Cooperative hangs in the balance. If funding is not secured, the closure of this vital resource could leave many in the community without essential support.
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