London boroughs unite in project to feed the vulnerable

The new project will involve all 32 London boroughs and see food hubs across the capital come together to feed vulnerable residents.

The collaboration between the city’s three largest food redistribution charities, The Felix Project, FareShare and City Harvest, will see hubs stocked before the food is distributed to local communities.

As the ongoing coronavirus crisis has seen many at risk individuals isolated and in need, it is hoped the project will help to counteract many of the challenges faced.

It comes as the Independent Food Aid Network said that food banks operating across the UK have seen a major rise in emergency food parcel distribution since the virus hit.

👏 A huge shout out to @FelixProjectUK who are helping us ensure no resident goes hungry because of coronavirus.

This week they sent us 2500 meals to give to those who need them most. pic.twitter.com/CAS7u9dTIU

— Camden Council (@CamdenCouncil) May 7, 2020

Eleanor Kelly, deputy chairwoman of the SCG, told PA: “This crucial scheme shows the capital’s resilience as we pull together to look after the most at-risk in our communities.

“Each borough has worked tirelessly to get each hub up and running, and we owe a great deal to those volunteers who are ensuring everyone can access vital food supplies.”

According to IFAN, almost a third of food banks experienced rises of 100% or more comparing figures for the months of March 2019 and 2020, with 7% having seen a rise of 300% or more.

More than 50,000 packages have already been delivered to vulnerable Londoners and responses have been made to 65,000 additional requests for food aid and financial support. This amounts to 1,500 tonnes of nutritious food and is enough to provide over 3.5 million meals.

The project is ran by teams of volunteers, who receive the food deliveries, package them into parcels and deliver them to individual doorsteps, local food banks, charities and community centres.

It is being co-ordinated by the Strategic Co-ordination Group (SCG), the body leading London’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak, alongside boroughs and the London Food Alliance.

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