The Driving Force Supporting Our Local Charities

At a time when the need to help those in food poverty is at an all-time high, North Paddington Food Bank and Marylebone Food Cycle, at the fore of providing food parcels and cooked meals, have increased their level of operation exponentially. Not only in terms of the quantity of meals needed, but also due to social distancing impacting on how they deliver their service. Food parcels need to be delivered to each individual household rather than people being able to collect directly from the food banks.

Undeterred, the charities enlisted the help of our BakerStreetQ‘s Smarter Giving  initiative to source drivers who could deliver food and essentials to those in need. Veolia and Baldwin Electrical joined forces with other local businesses to provide drivers and vans to make deliveries, with some drivers even using their own cars. One of which was Mark Campbell of Baldwin Electrical who now has the use of a transit van donated by Addison Lee.

Ethos (a key service provider for Grosvenor Estate and Portman Estate) has been providing the Food Bank with vans and drivers every day since April. Drivers Raul and Dariuz have been working incredibly hard, with owner, Scott Bryce putting in the odd shift, too! Joao Rocha from Storm Flowers has switched delivering floral arrangements to transporting emergency food crates around the area, and Jaguar Building Services, too, has lent the food bank a van complete with driver, Vernon, every week.

With the help of volunteers, Marylebone Food Cycle, uses spare kitchens and surplus food to create tasty, nutritious meals for hungry guests, normally, at West London Synagogue and St. Paul’s Church. The charity is still creating wonderfully nutritious meals, but they are now being delivered to homes across the area by volunteers.

The way in which our local businesses and individuals have responded to this food emergency has been tremendous and greatly appreciated by local charities and recipients.

With demand still so very high, on a regular basis, North Paddington Food Bank is having to purchase food out of its own funds. If you’re working from home and can’t help physically, perhaps you’d like to arrange a combined collection or fundraising challenge with your colleagues. Donate to the food bank.

There are a number of ways in which you can get involved with Local Giving. Do get in touch with Kate, our Smarter Giving Manager to find out how you can help.