This week, we got to chat with Chris Elliott, Marketing Manager at The Feed. The Feed is a Norwich-based social enterprise that envisions a community free of poverty and hunger. Chris spoke to us about what The Feed is up to at the moment, their plans for the future and what our community can do to support their work.

Who are you, and what do you do?

I’m Chris Elliott and I’m the Marketing Manager for The Feed. My role includes our marketing and communications activity, building and managing corporate relationships and fundraising.

chris the feed
Credit: The Feed

What is The Feed?

We’re a social enterprise with a mission to prevent poverty, hunger and homelessness in Norwich. One way we do this is by using our cafe and catering business to teach people new skills, give them confidence and help them on the path to employment and independence.

What’s going on at The Feed at the moment?

Lots as we are in a period of significant growth. We took on the running of Kettle Foods’ staff bistro in May and are now working to reopen the Waterloo Park Pavilion Cafe later this autumn - a contract we won recently.

the feed cafe
Credit: The Feed

What has The Feed got planned over the next 12 months?

Prior to Christmas, we aim to open two other new services:

  • REST cafe will be on Bethel Street in Churchman House which used to be Norwich’s Registry Office. This is in collaboration with Norfolk & Waveney Mind.
  • We will open a social supermarket in the city too, giving people access to cheap food. This venue also has facilities for us to run classes to teach people how to cook.

What do you love about working for The Feed?

I love the ‘can-do' approach which is allowing us to grow despite all the challenges which the pandemic has provided.

There’s also a great team spirit and camaraderie which means despite us having quite different roles when something needs doing everyone is quick to help.

the feed lunch
Credit: The Feed

What can the community do to support your work?

Here are just three ways:

  • Use our cafe - there are lots of great ones in Norwich but using The Feed means the money you spend on your coffee, lunch or cake helps our work with vulnerable local people.
  • Use our catering - another way we fund our work is by providing catering for all kinds of events including businesses and social functions. Again, this money supports our work.
  • Give people we’re working with a chance to do work experience in your business.

But there are lots more ways too, just contact me and let’s talk!

the feed cafe inside
Credit: The Feed

If you were a superhero, what would your power be?

I’d be able to snap my fingers and be anywhere in the world I wanted. I love travelling but time and money do constrain things rather (let alone a pandemic). Imagine being able to pop to Sydney (my favourite city) for lunch by the harbour for an hour!

If you could only eat one meal again for the rest of your life, what would it be?

As someone who loves food, this is very tricky! I’ll say chicken jalfrezi as I love Indian food with one of The Feed’s chocolate brownies for dessert as they are simply the best.

If you'd like to support The Feed, get in touch with chris@thefeed.org.uk