Barnet Council is introducing a new model of food aid with the establishment of the Acorn Pantry, a community-led initiative designed to provide affordable food and foster social connection.

The Acorn Pantry, founded by the Romanian Culture and Community Together (RCCT) organisation, is set to launch soon in Burnt Oak. It will operate on a membership-based model, offering residents access to food at lower costs. Crucially, the pantry aims to complement existing emergency food aid provisions by creating opportunities for social connection, referrals to wider support services, and helping individuals progress away from crisis support.

This development is a direct response to recommendations from the Food Security Task and Finish Group. Their report, presented to the Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee, highlighted the need for diverse food aid models beyond traditional food banks, advocating for alternatives such as community pantries, social supermarkets, and affordable food shops. The cabinet has partially accepted the recommendation to support these alternative models, recognising the principle of evolving food aid beyond emergency provision.

The Acorn Pantry has secured funding from Feeding Britain and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for its establishment and refurbishment.

Councillor Alison Moore has been appointed as Barnet's Councillor Food Champion. Her role will provide strategic leadership and advocacy for improving food systems within the borough, championing a whole-system approach to food. This approach aligns with public health, poverty reduction, healthy eating, and sustainability goals. Specific sustainability objectives include advocating for culturally appropriate and nutritious food access, and improvements in the food environment, such as policies on advertising and sponsorship related to fast-food outlets. Councillor Moore will also champion the refresh and implementation of the borough's Food Action Plan until 2027.

The Barnet Food Action Plan 2026-2028, which incorporates many themes from the Food Security Summit, will guide future work. This includes strengthening food aid provision, improving wraparound support, and fostering collaboration across sectors to build a more resilient local food system.