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Mapping the Meal Gap

Food support for people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping

Expert Citizens CIC is exploring food support for people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas, and map the provision already in place.

People experiencing homelessness face some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the UK. Research by Crisis shows that over 80% of people who are homeless struggle to get enough food, often relying on donations, skipping meals, or going entire days without eating. Among rough sleepers, the situation is even more severe: 92% had gone without food in the past month, and nearly half had not eaten for an entire day at least once during that time. Without regular access to cooking facilities, income, or safe spaces to eat, people sleeping rough are often unable to meet even basic nutritional needs exacerbating poor physical and mental health.

In Stoke-on-Trent, many local charities, faith groups, and grassroots volunteers are working tirelessly to feed people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. However, this essential work is often informal, uncoordinated, and under-recognised. The Mapping the Meal Gap Project aims to build a clearer picture of where, when, and how food is being provided to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. By identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities, we can create a report to inform an effective local response.

The Ask

To begin this work, we are asking people in our community to give us an overview of what is on offer for this group of people, and what the biggest challenges and opportunities are locally. To provide some of your thoughts, you can access a form we have created using this link: https://forms.office.com/e/T4PcLN4kdk

We are also keen to visit organisations and community groups that provide food for this group of people, to speak to staff, volunteers and people with lived experience to get a better understanding of the day-to-day issues, as well as the little wins that often go unnoticed.

Get in touch if you’d like to chat about the project by emailing: sophia.insight@expertcitizens.org.uk

Mapping the Meal Gap Project Placement Students from Manchester Metropolitan University

Expert Citizens is warmly welcoming three students from Manchester Metropolitan University this August, as we proudly host them for a placement supporting the Mapping the Meal Gap project.

We’re excited to have them with us!

Jodie Rhodes

Hi, I’m Jodie!

I recently graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University with a First Class degree in BSc Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy. I will begin my MSc in Healthy Psychology next September in hopes of becoming a Health Psychologist researching how Class impacts healthy eating and exercise habits, as well as improving women’s access to adequate healthcare.

I enjoy being active, particularly running. I ran my first race this year, the Great Manchester 10k, where I raised £1500 for a children’s home I was involved with in Honduras! I have also recently started practicing yoga! Apart from that, you’ll almost always find me in cafe with a soy chai latte!

Mariam Akhtar

I’m Mariam.

I’m currently entering my final year of a BSc in Psychology. Throughout my studies, I have developed a strong interest in social psychology research and working directly with people or for the community. My passion lies in creating spaces where people feel heard, especially those whose voices are often overlooked. I’m particularly drawn to work that explores the link between mental health and lived experiences.

Outside of university, I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction. I also love creative outlets, like crocheting and painting which help me stay creatively engages outside my academic work.
In the future, I hope to become an advocate for mental health and social change, using research as a tool for empathy and impact.

Scott Levins

Hi, My name is Scott Levins.

I am a Psychology Student at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have just graduated from an undergraduate and am about to enter a postgraduate course looking at Psychological Wellbeing in Clinical Practice. When not in university, I search for part-time jobs and work experiences to augment my CV, building connections and improving skills to make myself more valuable when I search for an official job after Uni. Ideally, after Uni, I’d liked to become a clinical psychologist, so I can help others who struggle with problems like anxiety or depression. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to audiobooks and volunteering at a welcome centre.