This evaluation looks at the Cranbean project, an initiative that was created by the Temporary Accommodation (TA) Strategy Group in Birmingham. It aims to provide nutritious meals to residents in temporary accommodation who lack cooking facilities. The project is led by The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) and Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), and partners with 2 Much Passion CIC and Change Kitchen. It is funded by the government’s Household Support Fund, which is administered by Birmingham City Council (BCC).
The project evolved from the BCC Temporary Accommodation Strategy Group chaired by Birmingham Children’s Trust. It was decided that a subgroup should be formed, in order to do some more specific work around food for residents, which became the Temporary Accommodation Healthy Eating Group. This group’s aim is to try to make sure that access to a nutritious, healthy meal is provided to city residents in temporary accommodation. The project addresses a critical gap in support for homeless individuals and families placed in temporary accommodation. These residents often rely on expensive and unhealthy takeaways or external support from friends and family due to the absence of cooking and storage facilities in their accommodation.
The project has evolved through different phases, adapting its delivery methods and meal content based on feedback and logistical considerations. There have been three phases to the project, and this evaluation covers the third phase, which has taken place between January and March 2025. In this phase, additional food providers 2 Much Passion CIC and Change Kitchen, overseen and joined by The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS), work together to prepare and distribute 400 meals a day to all residents in the Birmingham Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express Birmingham South, which are currently housing temporary residents.
Cranbean project - final report.pdf (287.5 KB)
Tags
healthy-eating, families, food, temp-accommodation