Coronavirus’ exposure of food, place and community resilience: a Welsh local authority perspective

Abstract

Purpose Coronavirus has accentuated the cracks within the fragile UK food system. Empty shelves and empty stomachs, the damaging consequences of coronavirus have led to an unprecedented increase in food insecurity and food access. The purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth insight into varied and innovative rural localised responses to food access during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on multiple perspectives of those working to combat food insecurity, inequality and inaccessibility in Gwynedd, exploring food access initiatives and their responses to the pandemic, innovative food distribution collaborations and the role of maintaining already fragile rural communities. Findings This study concludes that the need for transformative place-making to build stronger, more resilient communities has never been more pressing, with support from public sector funding to help alleviate some of the hardships and pressure with the rise in poverty and austerity, coronavirus imposed or not. Originality/value This study focuses on a single local authority area in North Wales, Gwynedd, an area where little food research has been published to date. The coronavirus pandemic also places the timely research within the scope of food access and distribution during hardship. This study discusses the impacts exposed by the pandemic and lessons that can be drawn and reflected on for future benefit.

Safe and welcoming “warm hubs”: Building social connections and inclusion in Welsh communities

“…Indeed, this study mirrored an earlier Welsh study which found "hidden capacity," "empathy" and a "sense of togetherness" in generating community support (Jones et al, 2022). Moreover, this research found that inclusivity and being nonjudgemental were key aspects of providing a sense of safety at the spaces.…”

“…This crisis was considered particularly acute for low earners, who were expected to be three times worse off than high-income earners (Handscomb & Marshall, 2022). These ongoing challenges have uncovered not only food inequalities but also the capacity of Welsh communities to work together at a grassroots level to find innovative responses (Jones et al, 2022). The socially innovative scheme presented in this article is based on research into the promising influence of "warm hubs" in one Welsh city, where community organizations and public buildings offered refreshments, food, local support and shelter from the cold.…”

The cost of COVID: the impact of COVID-19 on food security, place and community in North Wales

“…The work of Jones et al. (2022) indicates that the single local authority area of Gwynedd in North Wales is one such location where the series of global crises have caused significant and not quickly surmountable damage to food supply and security.…”

“…The work of Jones et al (2022) indicates that the single local authority area of Gwynedd in North Wales is one such location where the series of global crises have caused significant and not quickly surmountable damage to food supply and security. Yet this work has also indicated that due to the lack of Government support or recognition of a problem, the community has banded together in order to find solutions locally, rather than relying on the State.…”