ALDI HEMEL HEMPSTEAD - LONDON RD

We at 'Meeting Needs' try to meet the needs of those who are in our community on a weekly basis who struggle financially. We do this by making up food parcels and boxes, and then have these delivered to those in our surrounding areas.. What premises does your project operate from? We do not operate from any premises as we do not store or retain food. All food are delivered on the day, or night that it is collected from the stores due to their "used by date". Our policy is straight from the store, straight to our recipients homes as we conduct a delivery service from store straight to homes. This ensures no one is hampered by having to travel to access the food. Our ethos is to eradicate all barriers that inhibits individuals from accessing food and that includes travel. We also eliminate the need to carry heavy bags of food back to their homes. Our motto is to provide a streamline service that enables our recipients to have an easier way of receiving food which greatly aids our more challenged individuals like the elderly and disabled. All of our collections are given to shelters, refuges and hostels and private homes. Other parties that benefit from us are single parent families, homeless, low income workers, as well as individuals who are on benefits. The elderly and the disabled and individuals who are in care homes who enjoy receiving our cakes, breads, and flowers. The users are identified by the need that they show and divulge to us, and the difficulties and challenges that they face in accessing food. We also supply clothing, household items which are sourced from other Charity organisations. Has there been local press or similar that demonstrates your organisation's work in the local community? We do not advertise the work that we do as a respect to the individuals that we serve as some of our recipients are classed as 'vulnerable' ie DV victims.

We run a foodbank every Friday 6.30pm - 8pm from our Church Hall here in Bennetts End, Hemel Hempstead. Everyone is welcome to collect food, there is no charge and no referral is required to access our foodbank. We allow you to choose your food items, so you get the food you like, which helps everyone save on waste. We also offer light refreshments, so come along and stay for a chat with our friendly volunteers! Each week we collect surplus food from Sainsburys, Aldi and Gail's bakery. We also receive milk and fruit from Office Pantry. If you would like to donate to us, we would welcome any non-perishable food items and also accept food that would otherwise go to waste. We also donate toiletries to our service users and baby goods - nappies, wipes, milk and babyfood. Any surplus donations would be incredibly welcome!

Our Day Service welcomes people into a caring, friendly and comfortable environment. They can come along to socialise and join in with some lovely group activities. Our team is here to give out information, promote good health and well being and give friendly and experienced advice about topics affecting a variety of people. We hope you'll spread the word about our very well loved Day Service. We'd love you to come along and join the mischief!