Idia's Community Kitchen
London, UK
We are a grassroots community organization that provides hot nutritious meals and food parcels and other items to those in need in our community in Hoxton , Haggerston, at a local hostel and to those referred to us by Hackney Borough Council. We build relationships with our guests so that we can signpost them to other support. The objects of the Charity are the relief of financial hardship amongst people in Hackney and the surrounding area or in other parts of the United Kingdom; for example by providing hot meals, emergency food, essential toiletries, and household items to individuals and families in need and for distribution by charities or other organizations working to prevent or relieve poverty. Idia's also provide support or signposting to relevant information and other advisory services. We believe no person should go hungry. Idia's C K does its bit to redistribute otherwise wasted food by collecting sold food from branches of Co-Op, Tesco, Pretty a Manger, other businesses and restaurants often via Hackney Foodbank, who also donate short-dated items that they cannot distribute to their beneficiaries. Anything we don't use to cook with is made available to community members via donation tables. We believe it is possible to create a space where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgement or injustice. Our core values are kindness, respect and acceptance for all, and we regard everyone who joins us in any capacity and from whatever background as a member of our family. Welcome to one and all! Everything we do is in memory of Tina's late daughter Idia, who sadly passed away from Typhoid fever ate the young age of 11. As a family, they used to feed the community in any way they could. Tina founded this charity in her memory, to continue to feed, support, and inspire the local community. We are an organization that has grown organically . We started by volunteering a t a Drop In on Monday mornings, realizing very quickly that dood brought people together and that the social connection forged was something very special. Once a week did not seem to be enough, so we began collecting sandwiches and pizzas from local businesses and retailers and distributing these to people on the streets with the support of Ashwell House and the students there. We also organized showers with the help of the Salvation Army and collected and redistributed clothes and other items. From there, our founder and chef, Tina Omo- Bare began cooking hot meals and serving them on Hoxton Street outside the post office. Before the pandemic struck, Shoreditch Trust, allowed us to use the kitchen and outside space at their Wellbeing Centre on Pitfield Street, then Hoxton Square, then St. Chads and Fellows'. - General charitable purposes - Children/young people - Elderly/old people - People with disabilities - People of a particular ethnic or racial origin - Other charities or voluntary bodies - The general public/mankind - Provides services