Charity donations for unused food in Wimbledon
Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project teams up with Morrisons Wimbledon to help local homeless people AND reduce food waste.
The Faith in Action Homeless Drop-in in South Wimbledon, which has been helping homeless local people for more than 12 years, is delighted to have begun a partnership with Morrisons supermarket in Wimbledon. Drop-in volunteers are now collecting food that the store is unable, for various reasons, to sell to its customers, but which are still perfectly edible and nutritious.
The weekly collection began in June, and the Drop-in team is already putting the Morrisons donations to good use. Fresh products like bread, biscuits and cakes go straight onto that day’s menu, while non-perishables and tins go into storage ready to be given to needy local people visiting the Drop-in.
Drop-in manager, Andy Fairbairn, said “Our new partnership with Morrisons will make a positive difference to us by reducing our food expenditure, and if we can reduce food waste at the same time, then everybody wins. We’re really grateful to both Justin Hall, Morrisons Wimbledon store manager, who came up with the idea, and Love Wimbledon, who put Justin in touch with us.”
Morrisons General Manager, Justin Hall, said “As soon as I was appointed I approached Love Wimbledon to ask if they knew of any charities in the local area who would be interested in taking our food waste which is still edible. Kevin Gallagher, Love Wimbledon, put me in contact with Faith in Action who works with homeless and vulnerable people in the area. I went down to see the great work that they do and it was a pleasure to meet all the amazing volunteers. We have agreed that on a Wednesday they will take produce, such as; fruit, bread, tins and anything else that they need. I really look forward to building a strong partnership with this local charity and have offered my support to them throughout the year”.
The South Wimbledon-based Drop-in welcomes around 60-70 homeless and vulnerably-housed people in, and around, Merton each Wednesday and Friday. Homelessness is sadly on the increase in London, and our work is becoming even more important.
To find out more about Faith in Action, please visit www.mertonfaithinaction.org
Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project
Contact: David Reeves, Communications & Fundraising Chair
Email: mertondropin@gmail.com
Mobile: 07702 638968
