News from: Food4Families
The Veg4Reading project started in June 2020 in response to the number of residents needing additional food parcels or hot meals in order to get by. The project has recruited 71 volunteers to date, who have been working at four Food4families sites, Whitley GrowAllot, Southcote GrowAllot, Lavender Place and Katesgrove Community Allotment, to extend the food growing capacity and grow additional fruit and veg.
This produce, along with surplus donated from local allotment and home growers, has been distributed to the following 6 organisations that provide free food parcels and hot meals to vulnerable residents:
-Whitley Community Development Association
-CIRDIC
-The Weller Centre
-Sadaka
-The Red Kitchen
-New Beginnings
Between them they feed 1,500 people per month. The total of donated veg and fruit so far is 755kg at a value equivalent to £3,500.
Food4families are hoping to secure the funding required to keep the project going through into 2021 to respond to the continued need. We are still open to receive donations of fruit and veg and have ongoing volunteer opportunities. For more details contact 07551 942960 or email sharon@risc.org.uk.