Food Support Providers
Garden for Mind
Garden for Mind is a community-focused wellbeing initiative developed by Andover Mind, located at Longstock Park Nursery on the Waitrose & Partners Leckford Estate in the Test Valley. Opening in 2024, the project has transformed previously unused land into an accessible outdoor space designed to support mental health, education, and environmental awareness.
​
Led by Andover Mind, the garden is primarily used to deliver therapeutic activities and wellbeing programmes for individuals accessing its services, alongside providing opportunities for volunteers and local groups to engage with nature. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role that outdoor environments and green spaces play in improving mental health and resilience.
​
The garden has been designed to combine horticulture, biodiversity and sustainability, creating a setting that supports both environmental education and personal wellbeing. Through its use as a shared community resource, it offers a space for learning, relaxation and social connection, while also highlighting the importance of working with nature in response to challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
​
Supported by a wide network of partners, donors and volunteers, Garden for Mind represents a collaborative approach to community development. It brings together organisations, businesses and individuals to create a lasting local asset that promotes mental wellbeing, environmental responsibility and community engagement across the Test Valley.
Longstock Park Water Gardens, Stockbridge SO20 6EH, UK
​
libby.hilling@andovermind.org.uk
01264 332 297
Andover Food Bank
Andover Foodbank is a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting local people who are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford the essentials. Established in 2006, the Foodbank works in partnership with local agencies, churches and volunteers to provide emergency food and practical support to individuals and families in crisis.
​
Operating through a voucher referral system, Andover Foodbank ensures that help is targeted to those most in need. Each food parcel is designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals, while also offering a point of contact where people can access further advice and support services.
​
At the heart of the Foodbank is a strong sense of community collaboration. The organisation relies on donations of food, time and funding from local residents, businesses and partners, reflecting a shared commitment to tackling food insecurity and supporting vulnerable people across the Andover area.
​
Beyond food provision, Andover Foodbank represents a broader network of care, helping to connect individuals with additional resources and guidance, and working towards a future where no one in the local community has to face hunger alone.
Rooting for Andover
Rooting for Andover is a community-led initiative that brings people together through gardening, growing and shared outdoor spaces. Based around the Poppy Community Garden, the project creates an inclusive and welcoming environment where residents of all ages and backgrounds can take part, learn new skills and connect with others.
​
The organisation focuses on promoting wellbeing, sustainability and community resilience through hands-on activities such as growing fresh produce, maintaining green spaces and hosting regular gardening sessions. By encouraging participation and shared responsibility, Rooting for Andover helps build confidence, reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging within the local community.
​
Open to everyone, regardless of experience, the project provides opportunities to develop practical gardening knowledge while contributing to a greener, healthier Andover. Through its inclusive approach, Rooting for Andover demonstrates the positive impact that community growing can have on both people and place.
Augusta Park Community Centre, East Anton Farm Road, Andover, Hampshire
SP11 6RD
​
Unity
Unity is a local non-profit organisation supporting individuals and communities across Test Valley, including through services that help people access food and essential everyday items. Acting as a central hub for information, advice and support, Unity plays an important role in connecting residents with local food provision and practical assistance when they need it most.
​
Working closely alongside Andover Foodbank and other local partners, Unity helps ensure that people experiencing financial hardship can access the support available to them. In addition to signposting to emergency food provision, Unity runs a Hygiene Bank and an Animal Food Bank, providing vital supplies that help individuals and families maintain dignity and care for their pets during difficult times.
​
Unity also delivers a Travelling Pantry, bringing affordable food directly into communities and improving access for those who may face barriers such as cost, transport or isolation. This initiative supports residents to access low-cost food in a welcoming, community-focused environment while helping to reduce food insecurity locally.
​
Through its community engagement and social prescribing work, Unity helps address some of the wider challenges linked to food insecurity, including isolation, wellbeing and access to services. By strengthening connections between organisations and supporting the wider voluntary sector, Unity contributes to a more joined-up and resilient local food system across Andover and the wider Test Valley area.
Unity, Bus Station, West Street, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 1QP
​
0330 4004116
The Lighthouse Lounge
Lighthouse is a community hub run by Andover Parish, providing a wide range of holistic support for people across Andover. With a focus on wellbeing, connection and practical help, Lighthouse offers a welcoming, inclusive space where individuals can access guidance, build confidence and find support during challenging times.
​
Through its Lighthouse Lounge, the project provides a safe and informal environment where people can seek advice, access signposting services and connect with local support. Working in partnership with Andover Foodbank, the Lounge also acts as a distribution point for food parcels, enabling individuals with vouchers to access emergency food provision locally.
​
Alongside food access, Lighthouse delivers a range of courses and support services that help address some of the underlying causes of food insecurity, including financial hardship, debt and social isolation. This includes debt advice in partnership with Christians Against Poverty and wellbeing courses designed to build resilience and life skills.
​
By combining practical support with strong community connections, Lighthouse plays an important role in the local food support network, helping ensure that people not only access food when they need it, but are also supported on a pathway towards greater stability and wellbeing.
King Arthurs Community Centre
King Arthur’s Hall is a community hub serving residents of King Arthur’s Way and the wider Harroway area, providing a welcoming space for local groups, activities and support services. Managed by the King Arthur’s Way Community Association, the Hall plays an important role in bringing the community together and hosting initiatives that support local wellbeing.
​
As part of Andover’s wider food support network, King Arthur’s Hall works alongside Andover Foodbank by hosting food distribution and support activities within the community. By offering a local, accessible venue, the Hall helps ensure that residents can easily access emergency food provision and related support close to where they live.
​
In addition to supporting food access, the Hall provides a base for community engagement, advice services and group activities, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen local connections. This community-led approach enables King Arthur’s Hall to play a valuable role in supporting residents facing financial hardship while contributing to a more resilient and connected local food system.
King Arthurs Way, Kingsway Gardens, Andover
SP10 4BS
01264 333294
Andover library
Andover Library is a central and accessible community space located in the Chantry Centre, offering a wide range of services and support for local residents. As part of Hampshire Libraries, it plays an important role in connecting people with information, resources and community support, including initiatives that help address the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.
​
The library contributes to local food support through its involvement in cost-of-living initiatives, including signposting to community food services, pantries and fridges across the area. It also provides access to free essential items such as period products, helping to reduce financial pressure on individuals and families.
​
In addition, Andover Library hosts regular community sessions and “warm and welcome” activities that provide a safe space for residents to connect, access advice and reduce isolation—factors closely linked to food insecurity. Through partnerships with local organisations and support services, the library helps ensure people can access the guidance and resources they need, including support around finances, wellbeing and accessing food provision.
​
By combining practical support with strong community connections, Andover Library plays a valuable role in the wider food partnership network, helping to improve access to essential resources and build resilience across the local community.
53 Chantry Street, Andover
SP10 1LT