Havering Council has launched the Havering Food Alliance, a new borough-wide initiative to tackle food insecurity by building a more sustainable food system for residents.
The initiative looks to bring together businesses, charities, and public sector partners to prevent the constant issue of residents within the borough struggling to put nutritious food on the table.
The Food Alliance aims to change this by ensuring all residents have access to affordable, healthy food, regardless of income or circumstance.
Havering Council leader and councillor Ray Morgon said: “As people continue to feel the pinch with higher costs of living – we know many residents are struggling to put food on the table.
“The Havering Food Alliance is an important step forward in coordinating efforts and working in partnership to make sure no one is left behind.
“I hope this joined up approach will help support families with access to affordable and healthy food as well as creating a stronger, more resilient food supply system that benefits the whole borough.”
The Rainham Food Pantry is a pivotal part of the Alliance’s delivery model and shows the collaborative efforts of the partnership.
Tapestry Care UK chief executive Anthony Lowe said: “We’ve helped launch the Havering Food Alliance, a partnership that brings the community together to tackle food insecurity and runs the Rainham Food Pantry, ensuring no one is left without essentials.
“Beyond providing food, the pantry helps people reduce anxiety, improve budgeting skills, and offers a vital social space for people who might otherwise feel isolated.”
The pantry has also garnered positive feedback from recipients.
A Havering resident said: “£6 is great value for the amount of food you get.”
Demand for support continues to grow, with many calling for expanded access.
In response, the Food Alliance plans to open a second food pantry in Rainham and trial social supermarkets in Harold Hill and Hornchurch.
Residents and organisations seeking support or wishing to contribute to the Alliance’s work can learn more at Havering Food Alliance website or by emailing [email protected].
Featured image courtesy of Anna Pelzer via Unsplash
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