Hackney,
04
February
2022
|
16:05
Europe/London

Can you give cash, time or food donations this winter?

GiveWhatYouCan

People in Hackney are being urged to give what they can - whether time, money or food donations - to help those who may be struggling, as part of Hackney Council’s partnership work to support the community this winter. 

Volunteers 

Community organisations that support vulnerable residents and families-in-need are looking for volunteers. If you can give some of your time, whether it’s a few hours a week or one day a month, Volunteer Centre Hackney would like to hear from you. Volunteering roles: vchackney.org/volunteer

Cash donations

Cash donations are needed to buy essential food items for the Hackney Food Network, which works with Hackney Council to deliver more than 3,000 hot meals and 2,000 food parcels per week. This community-led food response also provides culturally and dietary specific food and signposts those in need to community networks for longer-term support. 

Here’s how your donations will help:

  • £5 will ensure households have fresh fruit and vegetables
  • £10 provides a grocery bag of staples, such as pasta and rice
  • £20 provides an older person with essential food for a week
  • £35 will feed a family of four for a week.

Residents and businesses can help by donating cash via the Give What You Can JustGiving page

Food donations 

If you prefer to donate food in person, you can drop off items directly to two local community food hubs, below. 

Items most needed are rice, pasta, dried beans, pounded yam, tinned food, breakfast cereals, UHT milk, tea and coffee, toiletries such as toothpaste, toilet rolls, tissues, period products and nappies, festive treats and sweets. 

  • Skyline Food Hub

Redmond Community Centre Kayani Avenue, Woodberry Down, N4 2HF

Dates until 17 December.

Wednesdays and Fridays only: 10am-2pm. 

  • Morningside and Gascoyne Food Hub drop off

Morningside Community Center, Cresset Road, E9 6SJ

Dates until 23 December 

Monday: 1pm-6pm.

Tuesdays: 10am-12noon

Thursdays: all day 

Fridays: 10am-12noon

Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Leisure
The needs of vulnerable people will increase within the festive period as residents find it even harder to manage the increased costs of celebrations and the cold winter months.

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to hit many Hackney residents hard; and many people are also now feeling the impact of the rising cost of living. Because of all this, more families than ever will experience food poverty this winter. 

The Council continues to campaign for better employment rights, social care and sufficient benefits support. However, there is an immediate need to provide food, essentials and support for those in need. 

Our community partners who support local people need your help. That's why we're asking the Hackney community to give what they can to help others over the next few months, whether that’s money, food or their time.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Leisure

This is a Hackney Food Network and Volunteer Centre Hackney campaign, supported by Hackney Council.