Foodbank in Tie-up to Provide More Fresh Grown Produce

Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society surplus to be donated

Volunteers from Good Gym are helping out with planting

June 7, 2024

An initiative to provide more fresh grown produce at a local foodbank has been launched this week.

The Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society (CHAS) is joining forces with Brentford-based Hounslow Community FoodBox to continue helping those in crisis across the London Borough of Hounslow.

The partnership enables allotment growers to donate their surplus fruit and vegetables to the FoodBox on a weekly basis during the growing season, as well donating other food items, which will find their way into food parcels for residents in need.

For some years Hounslow FoodBox has maintained and developed a vegetable allotment of its very own at the heart of the Brickfield Estate in Brentford. The organic produce grown is both for the community and for distribution through the FoodBox to those suffering from food poverty in the borough.

In an effort to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet, promote sustainability and zero waste, CHAS and the FoodBox plan to co-ordinate their growing and to encourage the local community to get involved. CHAS has even identified a dedicated plot for growing food at the Chiswick allotments, specifically for beneficiaries of the FoodBox. The plot will be maintained and looked after by volunteers.

To kickstart growing at the allotments, GoodGym Hounslow volunteers have offered to help to prepare the plot for seeds to be planted. GoodGym is a group of local residents who walk, run or cycle to help out community projects and older people in Hounslow. They have been supporting the FoodBox for over a year, as well as many other charities and residents in the Borough.

Honourable Alderwoman Corinna Smart Chair, on behalf of the Trustees at the FoodBox, said, “The FoodBox is immensely grateful to have the support of CHAS and would like to thank the allotment growers for helping to aid our mission to support residents in crisis in our Borough. We are also very grateful to GoodGym Hounslow for all their help and dedication from the incredible volunteers, who have made such a positive difference.”

Kourosh Khakpour, Trustee and Hon. Secretary at the Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society said, “CHAS is delighted to be presented with the opportunity to help further the vital work FoodBox performs in the community. It is incumbent on organisations like ours to contribute to the community when possible and to provide support to those in need”.

If you are a keen gardener and are interested in getting involved with volunteering to support the local community,get in touch with the FoodBox via their website www.hounslowfoodbox.org.uk.