We are grateful to have received a generous fund of £4085 from The Naturesave Trust towards our Newham United Against Food Waste Initiative in the efforts to combat food insecurity in Newham.
In Newham, 52% of families live in poverty and 1/25 of residents experience homelessness. Many are in low-paid work, earning almost £100 less per week than average Londoners. At the Renewal Programme, we have seen a marked increase in the demand for services such as food banks, warm banks, and hot meals in Newham. However, it is imperative that we understand the background and cultural sensitivities of our community, and work to instill a sense of dignity and social cohesion through the services we provide.
At the Renewal Programme, we are aiming to combat food insecurity in Newham in a way that is mindful of Newham’s environment, health, and cultural needs. This grant will go towards purchasing a cargo bike and training volunteers to transport surplus food from local restaurants, shops, and market vendors to local food banks in a low-emission way through the launch of our Newham United Against Food Waste Initiative. Whilst historically we have relied on cars to transport our food donations, the use of cargo bikes will allow us to remove any negative impact on the local environment as well as promote cycling in the local community.
“We are so excited for the launch of the Newham United Against Food Waste Initiative, and this grant from The Naturesave Trust will enable us to support and uplift families in Newham from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with food that is culturally familiar, whilst also being environmentally conscious. By engaging with our community and local businesses in this way, we are working towards a vibrant, empowered, and more cohesive Newham. Thank you to The Naturesave Trust for believing in our vision and making this possible.”
Peter Laing, CEO of the Renewal Programme
About The Naturesave Trust:
The Naturesave Trust was set up in 1995, to fund environmental and conservation projects throughout the UK, and is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities, and community groups.
“It is a real pleasure to support the work of the Renewal Program which brings benefits directly to the heart of the community in Newham. We hope our grant, which has positive environmental impacts, also provides the additional bonus of improving health and wellbeing, that arises from switching to transporting food by bike.” – Nick Oldridge, Head of Marketing & Sustainability
You can find out more about The Naturesave Trust here, and follow their work on their social platforms below:
Twitter – @WeAreNaturesave @TheNaturesaveTrust
Linkedin – Naturesave Insurance
Facebook – @NaturesaveInsurance
About The Renewal Programme:
The Renewal Programme is a multi-service charity, founded over 50 years ago to help the most vulnerable in our community. Our work continues to be informed by our core values of dignity, inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment. We are determined to stand with Newham residents from disadvantaged backgrounds during these trying times and provide access to support and the services needed to enable them to feel dignified and empowered.
Find out more about our work here and follow us on our social media platforms below:
Facebook: facebook.com/TheRenewalProg
Instagram: @therenewalprogramme
Linkedin: The Renewal Programme
Twitter: @therenewalprog
