News / The Mazi Project
Bristol youth food project launches crowdfunder to expand support
A Bristol-based company has launched an ambitious crowdfunding appeal to tackle food insecurity among young people in the city.
The MAZI Project aims to empower care leavers, young asylum seekers, and youth recovering from homelessness and fleeing domestic violence by giving them access to nutritious food and teaching them food independence.
Their latest crowdfunder campaign, #recipes4change, launches on World Hunger Day, and aims to raise £30,000 to double the number of people they supports through the purchase of a new delivery van.
is needed now More than ever
The MAZI Project said it has experienced a 30 per cent increase in demand amid the cost of living crisis, and hopes the new van will allow them to double the number of meals delivered.
The project currently supports 80 people in the city, but could be able to increase this to 160 if the crowdfunder is successful.
Game of Thrones star and Bristol-born actor, Maisie Williams, is an ambassador for the MAZI Project – photo: The MAZI Project
In collaboration with Bristol-based Rising Arts Agency, a community of young creatives, the Mazi Project has also worked with five of its own young people to create a series of street art posters with the aim of bringing awareness to the campaign.
The posters will be showcased in key locations around the city from Sunday, and will draw attention to the difference food delivered by the MAZI Project can make in a young person’s life.
The MAZI Project was launched as a community interest company in the hopes of challenging food inequality in the city by connecting disadvantaged young people to Bristol’s rich food culture.
Working with renowned Bristol foodies such as Sonny Stores and Josh Eggleton, the project has been able to rescue surplus food and transform it into nutritious meals.
The MAZI Project recently announced Game of Thrones star, Maisie Williams, as their ambassador.
The Bristol-born actor opened up about how her own family had struggled with food insecurity when she was a child.
Speaking about the crowdfunder, Melanie Vaxevanakis, managing director and founder of the MAZI Project, said: “With the support of our community, we can make a significant difference in the lives of even more individuals.
“The new van will enable us to increase our meal deliveries, ensuring that no one goes hungry.”
Main photo: The MAZI Project
Read next:
- The community kitchen changing lives through food
- Bristol Charity Advent Calendar, day 22: Feeding Bristol
- We can challenge the huge amount of food inequality in Bristol
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