Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance

Who we are

Derby Food 4 Thought (DF4T) Alliance was initially created to respond to the immediate needs of people in Derby at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. It has now progressed to being a longer-term solution combating the root causes of deprivation and poverty.

We now partner with 15 food-based projects, including 5 community shops, community pantries, and traditional food projects. We also work with 30 local community meal-based projects, whilst we continue to meet the immediate need of food insecurity, our main focus is to support and signpost those accessing our services to tackle the root causes of their deprivation and poverty.

We are now setting up Derby Furniture & Electrical project to help residents of Derby who are facing the difficult choice of making home or buying food.

Our culture and values

At Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, our values are the foundation of everything we do, guiding our actions and defining the experience of those we serve. These values come to life through our behaviours, shaping a culture that is compassionate, empowering, and impactful.

 Dignity

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their circumstances. At every touchpoint, we strive to create an atmosphere where individuals feel valued and empowered. Our services are designed to foster self-worth, allowing people to move forward with pride rather than stigma. Confidentiality is paramount in our work, ensuring that every individual’s story is handled with sensitivity and care.

Responsibility

We encourage those we serve to take ownership of their journey, fostering self-reliance and personal growth. As an organization, we hold ourselves accountable, delivering on our commitments with the utmost integrity and transparency. We carefully steward our resources, ensuring efficiency and impact, while modelling behaviours that inspire trust and confidence in those around us. 

Partnership

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We actively seek to build strong alliances with businesses, charities, and government bodies, knowing that our combined efforts create greater outcomes. Within the Alliance, we foster inclusivity, leveraging the diverse strengths of our team and partners. By sharing knowledge and resources, we create a united front, empowering every organisation under our umbrella to thrive.

Advocacy

We are a voice for those experiencing poverty, ensuring their needs are heard and their rights upheld. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, accurate referrals, connecting individuals with the support services they need to move forward. Beyond direct support, we work tirelessly to address the systemic challenges that perpetuate poverty, influencing meaningful change. By educating stakeholders and the broader community, we foster greater understanding and inspire action.

 Compassion

Compassion is the heartbeat of our organization. Every interaction is approached with kindness, patience, and an unwavering commitment to support without judgment. We take the time to listen deeply, understanding the unique challenges each individual faces. Our approach is adaptable, ensuring tailored solutions that meet people where they are. We celebrate progress, offer encouragement during setbacks, and provide hope for a brighter future.

Together, these values shape a Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance that not only meets immediate needs but also inspires transformation. They ensure that our work uplifts individuals, strengthens communities, and serves as a model of dignity and empowerment for others to follow.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

DF4TA exists to support anyone who is facing poverty or deprivation and does not in any circumstance differienate between who we will support.  Our only long term criteria is that an individual is willing to look at addressing the longer term causes of their situation and not just focus on the short term 'sticky plaster' of food.

It is the Charity’s policy to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment than others on the grounds of sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, religion or belief, age, disability or trade union membership, in the fields of employment and training.  The Company is committed to eradicating discrimination and seeks to find a means of dealing with it, should it occur.