On May 28th – World Hunger Day – Bristol Community Interest Company The MAZI Project launched a new crowd funder to enable them to reach more young people in need.
With the #recipe4change crowd funder, The MAZI Project – which strives to challenge food inequality among young Bristolians – hopes to purchase a new van to allow them to double the number of meals delivered to individuals who need support. They currently support 80 young people in the city – a new van would allow them to double this number to 160.
The CIC has been a 30% increase in demand since March 2023 as a result of the cost of living crisis. By using locally sourced food from small-scale producers, the team creates delicious and nutritious meals which they deliver to young people in need.
Melanie Vaxevanakis, Managing Director and Founder of The MAZI Project, said: “We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances. 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.”
Keep an eye out for street art posters across the city which aim to raise further awareness of the campaign. Created in collaboration with Bristol’s Rising Arts Agency, the posters draw attention to how much of a different food delivered by The MAZI Project can make to a young person’s life – at a time when young, disadvantaged people are often having to choose between paying rent and buying food.
The aim is to raise £30,000 for a new van – but the team is dreaming big. If they exceed the £30K target, an extra:
£10,000 will secure a year’s van insurance, cover maintenance costs and hire a van driver.
£20,000 will help with refurb costs for a new, larger permanent space for the CIC.
£30,000 will secure rent for a year for a new, larger permanent space, helping them to support more young people in need.
£40,000 will secure rent for a year for a new, larger permanent space, as well as contributing towards energy bills.
The MAZI Project is asking individuals local businesses and other organisations to help them turn their dreams into reality, allowing them to support as many young Bristolians as possible. To donate, visit the crowd funder page here.