London first: council opens its kitchens to foodbank for free to tackle child hunger

In a bid to tackle child food hunger across north-west London, Brent Council has become the first London council to hand over its kitchen facilities for free to a foodbank making 50,000 meals for vulnerable children this summer.

London’s Community Kitchen foodbank is using the free space to help ensure children who receive free school meals during term time, also receive healthy and nutritious meals throughout the six-week summer holidays. 

The fresh meals are made with around 80-90% ingredients that would have gone to waste, helping to divert thousands of tons of food from landfill into the mouths of local children.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, The Leader of Brent Council said: 

"We have some incredible foodbanks here in Brent that have become a lifeline for many during these difficult times."

“This partnership is not only working to tackle child hunger, it is also helping people into good quality, secure employment."

“Through this initiative, 20 people who were previously unemployed have now received Level 1 hospitality training and have jobs cooking nourishing meals for these children.”

Taz Khan, Founder of London’s Community Kitchen said:

"Our vision is zero waste and zero hunger - we believe everybody should have access to free, if not affordable food.

“Due to the unprecedented rise in living costs, families are struggling to put healthy meals on the table, yet at the same time we are seeing a rise in surplus (spare) food going to waste. 

“At London’s Community Kitchen we are redirecting this food back into the communities, providing fresh food to the people who need it most.  

“Brent Council is visionary and has dared to do something different. Through this partnership and allowing us to use their facilities for free we are well on the way to delivering 50,000 meals to vulnerable children this summer.

“We need projects like this in every London borough with all local authorities supporting their local voluntary organisations to thrive.”

Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice said:

“This transformational partnership is making a real difference to the lives of so many children and young people across north-west London.

 “In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis it has enabled the council to provide free, tasty and nutritious meals through its Holiday Activity and Food Programme along with educating children on where the food has come from and the importance of reducing food waste.

“This is an inspiring scheme that I hope to see other local authorities adopt.”