LEMONADE: A practical toolkit for co-producing community-based food models with older adults

The LEMONADE Project (opens new window) is - an incLusivE coMmunity fOod model for health wellbeiNg and sociAl connectedness of olDer pEople. Put simply, it is a community-based food model for the over 60s.

Funded by the Vivensa Foundation, led by Bournemouth University and delivered in collaboration with United St Saviour’s Charity and Northumbria University, the project aimed to support those over 60 to improve their health, wellbeing and social connectedness, with activities such as health and wellbeing education, cooking together, meal-sharing, gardening, and socialising.

This practical toolkit, developed from the LEMONADE project, is designed to support organisations, communities, and volunteers in creating community-based food models. Comprising 11 easy-to-follow modules, it offers adaptable, step-by-step guidance drawn from collaborative work with participants, community groups, policymakers, and third-sector organisations. While particularly relevant to food-based initiatives, the toolkit’s insights can be applied to a wide range of community projects. It is intended for a diverse audience, including older adults, community advocates, charities, health and social care practitioners, researchers, housing commissioners, and older adult service providers.