Hackney Community Food Share
London, UK
At Hackney Community Food Share, our mission is to reduce food insecurity and improve the well-being of our local community by redistributing surplus food donations. We are deeply committed to addressing the growing challenges caused by the rising cost of living and increasing food prices. We identified the need for food support by working closely with local charities, community organisations, and residents who highlighted the struggles faced by many, particularly vulnerable individuals who cannot access traditional food banks. Through these conversations, we shaped our service to ensure it reaches those who need it most. Every Friday, we distribute surplus food donations from Alf Partridge Community Hall, with additional home deliveries throughout the week for vulnerable residents who are unable to collect food in person. Our partnerships with The Felix Project, Volunteer Centre Hackney, The Hygiene Bank Stoke Newington, Hackney Food Network, and the Alf Partridge Hall Tenants and Residents Association have been crucial in expanding our reach. These collaborations allow us to provide essential food and toiletries, ensuring people in need receive the right support. The backing of local councillors, along with Hackney Council’s community volunteering support and grants, has also been invaluable in sustaining our work. In addition to food support, we provide regular food parcels to Mapledene Road Retirement Home, a supported living scheme for over-60s in Hackney. We also host a weekly coffee morning, offering a warm, welcoming space where local people can enjoy a hot drink, a biscuit or pastry, and connect with others. This initiative helps combat isolation, encourages community engagement, and provides signposting to local services. Over time, it has also inspired more local people to volunteer and actively contribute to their community. HCFS is a Neurodivergent-led group, and we understand firsthand the importance of the right support—especially for Neurodivergent parents raising children with additional needs. While our current focus is food distribution, our long-term vision is to develop a peer support network for Neurodivergent parents, creating a space where we can share experiences, offer advice, and support each other in a way that truly meets our needs. We believe in fostering greater acceptance and awareness of Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence in both the community and volunteering spaces. Our services are entirely free of charge, relying solely on donations and community support to continue operating. HCFS is more than just a food share—we are a community working together to create meaningful support networks and connections.
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