Features / Bristol Food Union
In photos: the amazing work of Bristol Food Union
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Bristol Food Union has ensured that Bristol stays fed during the crisis.
The collective of restaurants, food businesses and community organisations have come together to support Bristol City Council’s emergency food provision.
They support Caring in Bristol to feed 500 homeless citizens each day, provide meals for the vulnerable in the Chew Valley area, deliver weekly food provisions to 100 adults who have recently left the foster-care system, and cook hot meals for workers across the frontline including social care and emergency services.
is needed now More than ever
James Koch, the owner of the Gallimaufry and Suncraft on Gloucester Road, has been documenting Bristol Food Union’s work over the last two months.
Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack making focaccia at Coexist in Easton
Josh Eggleton (left) and Dominic Borel (right) – with a wine delivery to NHS management thanks to a donation
Dominic Borel at Pasta Loco
Magda and Kesha at Caring In Bristol. “The Caring In Bristol space normally sleeping many of Bristol’s homeless is empty due to coronavirus,” says James. “But the Cheers Drive production line is on – sending 359 lunches and dinners out to these people in need, now roomed in hostels and hotels, daily.”
Josie Irvine of Good Store Studio has been making masks for Bristol Food Union volunteers
Kylie from Bristol Ambulance Crew outside intensive care at the BRI with a Bristol Food Union meal
BRI intensive care unit colleagues Louise and Katie
Ikaro and Jesus cooking in Bravas
Heather from Gopal’s Curry Shack
Hal in Suncraft
Alan, a volunteer delivery driver
Robbie, another volunteer delivery driver
Sales of this limited edition print by Robert Del Naja, aka 3D, raised more than £100,000 for Bristol Food Union
Kate of Kate’s Kitchen delivering her meals to the Kensington Arms
Box-E co-owner Tess making provisions boxes for care leavers at Ashton Gate Stadium
Volunteers at Ashton Gate carrying care boxes to cars
Volunteer driver Lee with boxes for care leavers
Volunteer drivers Sarah and Bean planning their routes
Logistics expert Helen making sure all hospital departments and community group orders get delivered correctly and on time
Toby at the Pump House, where a one-stop provisions store has been set up downstairs
Mo Fisher volunteers for Bristol Food Union from home, working on graphics and social media
Sara Griffin from Bomboloni. “Sarah has baked brownies and blondies to go out to Bristol’s homeless today through Caring In Bristol’s Cheers Drive initiative,” says James. “She and her daughter were busy painting the restaurant when I arrived. Still smiling. What a year.”
Pump House chefs preparing food for Bristol Food Union
Mark Chapman coordinating output from all Bristol Food Union’s kitchens
All photos by James Koch
Read more: Top Bristol chef and restaurateur ‘technically bankrupt’
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