Hackney Festive Food Fund launched to help feed those in need this winter
Hackney residents and businesses are being urged to give what they can to make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas by donating to The Hackney Festive Food Fund.
Hackney’s community food hub supplies have fallen dangerously low as the pandemic sees more people in need. By donating cash via the Just Giving page or delivering food to one of the three food hubs across Hackney, residents can help fill the gap in demand.
Hackney’s community food hubs serve over 20 local food groups, which work with the Council to make sure help reaches those who need it most. Money raised will help them to continue to deliver over 3,000 hot meals and 2,000 food parcels per week. This community-led food response, also provides culturally and dietary specific food as well as signposting to community networks for longer-term support.
How you can help
Make a cash donation via the Just Giving Page now bit.ly/HackneyFoodFund
Here’s how the donations will help:
- £10 will top up a grocery bag so that households have fresh fruit and vegetables
- £20 provides an older person with essential food for a week
- £35 will feed a family of four for one week
- £150 will feed a family of four for a month with a little extra for festive treats.
Drop off food to one of the three local 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 Ave, Woodberry Down, London N4 2HF
Dates: Thursday 3 December - Friday 18 December 2020 (Thursdays & Fridays only)
Tuesday 22 December
Thursday 7 January - Friday 15 January 2021 (Thursdays and Fridays only)
Times: Open between 10 am - 2pm on all open days.
- Hackney City Farm Food Hub
Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
Dates: Thursday 3 December - Friday 18 December 2020 (Thursdays and Fridays only)
Tuesday 22 December
Thursday 7 January - Friday 15 January 2021 (Thursdays and Fridays only)
Times: Open between 10 am - 2 pm on all open days.
- Morningside and Gascoyne Food Hub
Morningside Community Center, Cresset Rd, Hackney, London E9 6SJ
Dates: Thursday 3 December - Friday 18 December 2020 (Thursdays and Fridays only)
Tuesday 22nd December
Thursday 7 January - Friday 15 January 2021 (Thursdays and Fridays only)
Times: Open between 10 am - 2 pm on all open days.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Leisure said: “The winter months can be harder for vulnerable people and the pandemic has increased the needs of those without. During the first lockdown, I was moved by Hackney’s generosity as many rushed to help. However, many charities are seeing a downturn in donations this year, as their usual donation routes aren’t available. By joining forces with local charities and community groups, we hope to rekindle the community spirit of earlier in the year.”
Claire Ferrigi Community Engagement & Facilities Managing Director of The Boiler House Community Space & Charity said: “Christmas will be a very hard time for some families and we hope to spread some festive cheer. With everybody’s help, we would like to give families a Christmas hamper to see them through the festive period, along with essentials and some festive trimmings we all enjoy at this time of year.”
Notes for editors
More details on the Hackney Festive Food Fund including suggested items you can deliver to the food hub can be found on the Just Giving page: bit.ly/HackneyFoodFund
Hubs are open for food parcel donations from 3 December 2020 - 15 January 2021