Since launch in June 2010, our top priority has always been the provision of food parcels to individuals and families experiencing food poverty. This is something we are now able to do 6 days a week, spread across our 3 Foodbank Centres; all within the boundaries of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. Over the years though, we have become more involved in the prevention of food poverty too.
Earlier this year, we launched ‘Eat Well Spend Less‘ – a 6 week Course during which participants prepare 2 recipes per session, and also cover various topics including: meal planning, food safety & hygiene, planning your money and shopping on a budget. During 2016, Courses have proved very popular, and we now have a waiting list. Further Courses during 2017 are now being planned. Watch this space! OR email: [email protected] for more information. We are deeply grateful to The London Speaker Bureau for raising funds to cover the costs of running up to 2 Courses.
Holiday Clubs – we were delighted to receive funding from H&F Council to run 2 Holiday Clubs (in Fulham and White City), which ran during 4 weeks this summer, aimed primarily at families with children aged between 3 and 11, most of which were referred to us. Healthy meals and snacks were served, and both children and their parents had a great time. We were very happy to send families home with leftover food at the end of each session. One parent commented, “money has been a major factor this summer and the holiday club has been a godsend”. We are grateful to all BBC staff who gave up their time to volunteer at our Holiday Club in White City.
Citizen’s Advice – With a combination of funding from H&F Council and Martin Lewis (of MoneySavingExpert fame) we were able to launch our partnership with H&F Citizen’s Advice, and now have one of two full time CA workers who visit all of our Foodbank Centres on a rotating basis. This ensures that anyone with urgent needs can instantly speak to a trained Advisor for immediate advice where appropriate, and an appointment when more detailed advice or support is needed. This has proved very helpful to our clients who have benefits or debt issues.
The Hub @ 75 on Bloemfontein Road (which also receives significant funding from H&F Council!) has been open since February 2016 and, and as well as offering the foodbank 3 times per week, is now offering an increasing number of other services available to H&F residents, including Health Checks, the Credit Union, an employability scheme, drop in mornings – where tea and cake is served!; as well as free internet use. Please email: [email protected] for more detailed information about what we offer from The Hub @ 75 or to inquire about using the site.
