GAIL'S Stoke Newington

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.

From Compassion to Community: The Story of the Blossom 3Food4U FoodHub The Blossom 3Food4U Food Hub is more than just a place to get a meal; it's a testament to the power of faith, community, and unwavering dedication. We began as part of the RCCG Jesus Assembly food hub. Born from a simple act of kindness during the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Hub blossomed into a vital resource for hundreds in Tottenham, London. It's where people united, supported each other, and built a stronger community. The story began in 2020 when the RCCG Jesus Assembly recognized the struggles faced by its members due to lockdowns. It began with volunteers delivering care packages, a small gesture that ignited a larger mission. By Christmas, over 2,000 Christmas hampers were distributed within the community. This dedication culminated in the launch of the RCCG Jesus Assembly FoodHub in January 2022. Partnering with organizations like Felix Project, fareshare, city harvest and 3Food4U, the Food Hub became a weekly haven, providing essential food supplies to over 780 households every Sunday. Our food packages include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, staple grains, and protein sources like meat and beans. Its reach extended beyond the church's community, serving 7 churches, 2 mosques and 2 charities in the area as well as the general public on a non referral basis. Anyone could come to us. The Blossom 3Food4U FoodHub bloomed from RCCG’s vision. Blossom is a stand alone charity, ensuring that public donations and grants for the food hub can have separate financial accounts. RCCG Jesus Assembly and 3Food4U sponsor us and many of the church’s generous congregation volunteer with us. We evolved from church run to a mix of everyone in the community, all religions, all races coming together to fulfil the dream that RCCG started. We envision a future where we can help as many people struggling with food insecurity as we can. The help we need: Surplus: The more surplus we are donated the more people we can help. Storage: A dedicated facility will allow us to store and preserve various fresh and essential food items. Essential Appliances: Freezers and refrigerators will ensure the quality and safety of the food we provide. Streamlined Operations: Funding for dedicated transportation and vehicle maintenance will streamline our food collection process, allowing us to serve the community more effectively. By supporting the Blossom 3Food4U FoodHub, you're not just providing food but fostering hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for those facing hardship. Over the past year, we have witnessed a profound transformation in our community members' physical and mental well-being. Your contribution will continue nourishing bodies, nurturing spirits, and empowering community members to build a brighter future. Please help us and sign our petition for free spaces for food projects at: https://www.change.org/FreeSpaces4FoodBanks

- Disability - Religious activities - The general public/mankind - Provides services (contact the charity for more information) - Single parents' support - Homeless support (give away clothes every week, Sunday, 11 am to 12.30 pm)