A social enterprise has gained backing from a Norwich-based crisp maker as they become the first to support a bid to bring new food onto Norwich market.
The Feed has transformed the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged adults in Norwich, helping them through difficult times to find their confidence again and get back into employment.
As the trading arm of LEAP - a social enterprise which helps those who face disadvantages - it uses food as a catalyst to inspire and motivate people to achieve and live a more fulfilling life.
Catering from office lunches to canapes for 100 people, all profits go straight back into funding the support for hundreds of adults.
And today, The Feed launched a crowdfunding campaign where it is hoped £20,000 can be raised to open a stall on Norwich market, and, Kettle Foods, producer of Kettle Chips, has announced it will be supporting them throughout 2017
Ashley Hicks, Kettle Foods managing director said: 'We feel that there is a great affinity between our business and The Feed and we look forward to working with them to improve local lives through food. In addition to monetary support, we can get involved in lots of other ways for example by offering work experience to their students, providing training sessions with our Chef, Phil, and helping raise awareness of The Feed's valuable work to a wider audience.'
Barry Allard, founder and director of LEAP and The Feed, added: 'It's fantastic to be partnering with a company so well established as Kettle Foods. Our values intertwine on many levels, both using the best quality ingredients for all our food and being committed to supporting our local community.
'This partnership will significantly increase the opportunities for people to reach their full potential here in the greater Norfolk area.
'Now The Feed wants to become part of the new Norwich market community so that our clients can work in a customer-facing operation, selling delicious local street food from our very own market stall.
'Not only will this give our clients the opportunity to engage more with local people and further increase their confidence, it will also give The Feed a permanent visible home in the local community so that even more people will see the good work we are doing. Our dream is to sell street food that is globally-inspired, made with local ingredients and sold at affordable prices by lovely, talented people.
'Confidence, self-esteem, inspiration and 'daring to dream big' are a lot of ingredients to pack into a sandwich- but we know they work.'
Pledges
By using a Crowdfunding campaign The Feed can accept all donations and will also offer rewards to everyone that supports them. P
Pledges start from as little as £10 and for this supporters will receive a membership, monthly newsletter, and an invitation to the grand opening of the market stall.
The highest pledge of £5,000 for the 'Package of Purpose' includes sponsorship of 10 clients through the Flourish programme, an invitation to the graduation and the opportunity to present to the clients they have sponsored. In addition, pledgers will be able to attend the grand opening of the market stall, and receive four discount cards giving 10pc off for a whole year, plus a picnic lunch for six people and a buffet/canapé party for 60 guests.
Georgina Finn, from The Feed, said: 'We want to run the sort of stall where we get to know our regulars by name and swap recipe ideas. BUT we can only do this with your help. So please make a pledge, tell your friends, then swing by our stall when we're up and running for a ciabatta with a side of friendly banter!'
For all information of donations and rewards and how you can support The Feed, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk or you can get in touch via email to Georgina.finn@norwichleap.co.uk or call 01603 627841
For more information about The Feed visit www.the-feed.co.uk
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