Over the last three weeks food redistribution charity City Harvest has rescued over 182 tonnes of food, delivered over 423,700 meals to charities across London who are preparing food parcels for vulnerable groups including NHS workers on the front line, and offset over 692 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
During the Covid-19 pandemic supermarkets such as Whole Foods, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer; restaurants like Hawksmoor, Sushi Samba and Honest Burgers; and retailers like Selfridges have worked with City Harvest to ensure those in need do not go hungry.
This week, The Portman Estate announced a three-year partnership with the charity. Independent restaurants and cafes in the Marylebone area like Vinoteca are also supporting City Harvest, donating surplus food and making a welcome difference.
CEO Laura Winningham said: “On any given day, City Harvest excels as a rapid response unit for surplus food, feeding London’s most vulnerable.
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“In light of Covid-19, where possible, the hospitality industry has amazingly reinvented itself, working closely with charities such as ours in this unprecedented bid to work together for the greater good of London.
“We are helping people repurpose their skill sets, but we need to upscale fast in response to London’s growing need. We rely on donations to keep our vans rolling to reach those who cannot afford to eat. Our Partnership with The Portman Estate is a jewel in our crown to help London.”
Katie Balderson, director of corporate for The Portman Estate, added: “We could not be prouder to be supporting this hugely important cause. City Harvest’s work throughout London is imperative, especially during these difficult times where we must ensure that those in need are supported.
“It is a time for the community to come together, to become more united. We hope that our long-term partnership with City Harvest does not only help our own community, but those at risk of hunger throughout the city.”
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