GAIL's Bakery Queen's Park

Our project started by simply distributing surplus food to people in need. Slowly our network got bigger that we could not knock on each door on our list anymore, so we agreed I park at one point everyday after collection, and people come to take food. At first people were reluctant to come out of their houses, specially after many recent crimes that happened in Parry road. But slowly people started having the trust to come out and have small chat, and in few weeks all the community were waiting for the slot to distribute, only to meet and have small chat. One lady told me I lived at my address for over 15 years, and this is the first time I know who are my neighbours. We created whatsapp group where I post photo of the food collected, and people get notified so they come and wait. Then we added on the group posting unwanted clothes or furniture, and people welcomed the idea and used it a lot. Now the charity who was giving us the slots ended, people were sad. First they were relying financially a lot on this food, and 2nd they stopped coming out and gathering for chats when taking food. People and children are stopping me in the streets to ask me why we stopped or when we are coming back. I can provide more than 50 family contacts, and I can provide extract of the group chats as testimonial of our work for the last few years. In the last year our group expanded a lot. Many people volunteered, we have in total 23 volunteers who are reaching more areas, more people in need, and more charities. We distribute in weekly basis to Lebanese welfare community in Kilburn, to al Nour Arabic school, Mozart street hostel for homeless. One of our volunteers works in care home in Maida Vale and she takes sandwiches and cakes to elderly people who waits for it. Also we do distribute in Harrow road near Zagros where many people who are in need gather evening. We give to Emmanuel Pantry Harrow road 2 days a week. We distribute to Avenues club in Third Avenue, and to the food bank in Queenspark Primary. Our group is always open to anyone who wants to join. People from the group always send me messages to add more people they know or they just met and they believe they need those donations. Our group currently has 70 members, who some of them also take to people they know.

Granville Community Kitchen is empowering community through food – working on the front lines in an area of high deprivation and health inequalities, many families and people are experiencing poverty and limited access to good food. It has a pay it forward philosophy; those who can afford it pay more and contribute to meals for those who cannot. Suggested donations for meals are kept at a low price; currently it is £3 an adult and £1 for children. Most of all, the kitchen never turns anyone away and often people volunteer in exchange for a meal, learning valuable skills and knowledge about food from seed to plate. Everyone who works in the community kitchen does so on a voluntarily basis, and are encouraged to share their skills and knowledge about food, film, health, gardening and community. Granville Community Kitchen is leading this initiative based on the belief that ‘everyone has the right to fresh, good quality, healthy food that does not cost the earth’. All our food is sourced from local urban agriculture and harvesting projects, micro food producers, donations, and other ethical food businesses. “Good food is central to weaving together family, community, health, history, heritage, culture and the environment. Urban Food Routes support made it possible for the Granville Community Kitchen to create a vibrant tapestry that has as its core ‘good food for all’.” Continued development for the project lies within building the capacity of the community and volunteers Dee Woods, Project Coordinator

Our Power Hub (OPH CIC) operates in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, initially created to support the local community post the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017. We work to provide advice and guidance, health and wellbeing support, a range of therapies utilising creative outlets, and to offer unique training and experiences to build confidence and skills for our service users. We aim to add social value, create supportive networks and opportunities, linking communities with local services in order to improve their quality of life. We arrange projects in line with the demand and the voice of those who participate (peer-led), and as a grass-roots organisation, we deliver in accordance with community, cultural and religious needs and our aim is to reach those who may be most in need.  Since 24th January 2023 we have been collecting every Tuesday evening a surplus food donation from our local Pret A Manger Cafe at Ladbroke Grove and have been delivering them to the most vulnerable families in our community who are affected by the rising cost of living crisis. In addition, one of the places we support is the local Bay20 Community Centre, frequented by various groups of people most in need: those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, homeless and those from different walks of life struggling to survive. Currently, we are looking at other outlets to give aid to as well. In March 2022, OPH was recognised and awarded for outstanding contribution to the community by the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea. We have and continue to make a difference!