Having launched in 2020 during the first Covid-19 wave, the Livery Kitchen Initiative has supported those in need in the local community. This is a combined effort between the Drapers’, the Fishmongers’, the Grocers’ and our charity partners. We have been providing around 2,000 healthy and hearty meals a week to 13 community-based charities in North and East London through City Harvest, who are delivering the meals to those that need them the most. At the end of February, we have delivered over 100,000 meals.
2021 has continued to raise serious challenges, and we are again helping frontline NHS staff working in Covid-19 zones. On 11th January 2021 we began delivering weekly Welfare Refreshment Packs to 200+ NHS staff who at the end of their 12-hour shift need to rebuild their strength.
Along with our continued community efforts, we resumed our provision of meals for frontline NHS staff from 18th January. We will be providing 2,100 meals a week to three hospitals in East London: The Royal London Hospital, Newham University Hospital, and Whipps Cross Hospital.
“The Salmon with Harissa & Giant Cous Cous was delicious & the
salmons was beautifully soft”
The Charities:
Tower Hamlets Food Action Group brings organisations and individuals together to shape a better food system for everyone in Tower Hamlets.
Spitalfields City Farm is near to the city’s square mile and sited on a former railway goods depot. The farm was started in 1978 in response to local people’s demand for allotment.
Solidarity Britannia is a food bank organised in response to Covid-19. Currently based in Toynbee Hall they mainly help asylum seekers and refugees who are going through the long process of applying for indefinite leave to remain.
The Hackney Destitution Centre branch of the Red Cross helps asylum seekers and refugees in Dalston. It is one of its kind in London that not only provides basic necessities for those in need of help, but also organises activities to help asylum seekers socialise and learn practical skills.
Embrace House of Faith is a community-run project to support their local community in and around Plaistow. They run a separate food bank and soup kitchen and have branched to support more of their community as the demand grows. They also try to offer mental health advice to those in need.
Mossbourne Community Academy is a Hackney-based school.
Reclaim the Lane provide the local community with low-cost goods which have been donated by local residents and businesses. They have expanded their remit to meet the local community’s demand for additional support during this pandemic.
Usually a community café in Waltham Forest, they have had to cease all usual activity and trading due to COVID-19. They have now set up the Hornbeam Community Distribution Centre serving Walthamstow Forest area.
A walk in multi-cultural community centre that was established in 2013. They provide wide-reaching support for domestic violence sufferers and the community, including a food bank. These services reach people of all faiths, age groups and genders.
Aston Mansfield runs two multi-purpose communitycentres which are recognised as safe havens and open to everyone. They endeavour to make long-lasting change; offering opportunity, community and inspiration to children, families and young people in Newham and East London.
Royal Docks Learning & Activity centre started as a youth centre but have expanded their remit into providing a wider range of services for their local community. Their mission is to improve education and welfare opportunities for the local people.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2024
