Gemma Harvey-O’Connell is the new CEO at The Feed, the Norwich-based community interest company which aims to ensure everyone has the support to eat well, live well and feel connected. Here, Gemma explains how YOU can help its mission during these tough times
How long have you a) been involved with The Feed and b) been CEO?
I joined six years ago as Catering Enterprises Manager tasked with growing the catering business and developing our café (we only had one at the time). As we grew my role developed into leading the trading operations of the business and in August this year I became CEO.
What is your background, and what are your connections with East Anglia?
Prior to joining The Feed I ran my own catering business and cookery school based at Earsham Hall in Suffolk, and before that I worked in London for 15 years in sales and recruitment. I was born in Norwich, and grew up in north Suffolk, going to school in Stradbroke and Framlingham before heading to Oxford Brookes university to study tourism and accounting. I returned to East Anglia in 2012.
Can you remind readers what The Feed does?
We want everyone in Norwich to be able to eat well, live well and feel connected. Simple goals, but far from the reality for many in our city. The largest project we are running is our Social Supermarket and Community Café on Hall Road. Thousands of people use it to access low-cost groceries because they can’t afford enough food. This includes parents with young children, pensioners and people in work – all with the common challenge of being affected by the high cost of living.
What challenges are you facing this year?
Like many charities, our biggest challenge is funding all the work we do. We have three main sources of funding – local government, grants from trusts and foundations, and profits from our cafés and catering business. All three sources are under pressure – government funding is being cut, many trusts and foundations are paused or spending out. The scary fact is that 24 charitable trusts and foundations are in the process of spending out. The monetary value that is expected to be lost from the charitable economy over the next five years is likely to be in excess of £500 million. The hospitality sector has the double whammy of the higher food and energy costs we have all seen and people have less disposable income. We are constantly reviewing our suppliers to keep costs to a minimum, alongside keeping our creative hats on to keep generating support from as many sources as possible, both existing and new.
How can people support The Feed?
There are several ways you can support us so people in Norwich will benefit from what we do:
- Use our café in Waterloo Park – we think you’ll enjoy our delicious food and drinks.
- Donate to our fundraising campaign: justgiving.com/campaign/eatwellwinter
- Support us through your business – make us your charity to support in 2025.
- If you need delicious food for your Christmas events or at any other time, order from our catering team here thefeed.org.uk/catering
Email me if you’d like to know more or would like to support The Feed: gemma@thefeed.org.uk
What are your hopes for the charity for next year?
We are committed to supporting and empowering our local community in Norwich. I hope to continue our fantastic work, to create a long-lasting impact and to be a welcoming, non-judgmental space for our members.
By providing safe spaces at the heart of the community and a holistic programme of projects we can reduce inequalities, raise aspirations, and create a shared culture of strength and kindness. Your support will help us do it.
Visit The Feed.
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