Volunteers Sought For Food Recycling Scheme

The Felix Project helps charities and schools and many on the breadline

Volunteers are sought for a local food project that rescues produce that would otherwise go to waste and helps those who are struggling.

This year, The Felix Project based in Park Royal, will deliver 2,500 tonnes of food to charities and primary schools, which is enough food for almost five million meals.

More than eight million people in the UK struggle to afford to eat every day, while our food industry generates 100,000 tonnes of edible food waste each year. That’s where The Felix Project comes in, collecting good, nutritious food that suppliers cannot sell. The food includes a high proportion of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, salads, meat and fish.

The Felix Project delivers food to more than 310 London frontline charities and primary schools who provide support for nearly 100,000 people. The charities look after elderly, children and families, homeless, those suffering from mental health issues, asylum seekers and refugees.

“For people who are down on their luck and at the lowest ebb of their lives, make no mistake, Felix is a godsend. And not just for their stomachs, for their state of mind.”

The Felix Project makes a weekly delivery of surplus food to primary schools which teach children from some of the most deprived families of London. At the end of the school day, a Felix ‘market stall’ is set up in the playground and pupils and their families are invited to fill a Felix bag with a healthy selection of food. The food supplied to schools during term time continues to reach as many children as possible during the holidays to tackle the problem of ‘holiday hunger’.

“It's a really lovely way to reach out to those in need in the local community in a way that creates as little stigma as possible. One parent was able to cook for 5 days from one collection.”

At the heart of The Felix Project, a team of 400 volunteers collect and deliver food as drivers, driver assistants, cyclists, walkers, and warehouse assistants. Volunteers also help at events, in admin and in most areas of the organisation.

Cathy has been volunteering at The Felix Project’s Park Royal depot since 2016.

“I was brought up to think that wasting food was close to being a sin so when I read about The Felix Project, the idea of combining the reduction of food waste with helping people in need appealed hugely. I really enjoy what we do and also being part of such a great team of staff and volunteers.”

Suppliers with surplus food appreciate the Felix volunteers who collect it from them. There are 170 suppliers who give food to The Felix Project, including Mash, a wholesaler to some of the most prestigious kitchens in the capital which has a warehouse in Park Royal.

“At Mash, we are committed to significantly reducing our waste through the innovative and imaginative recycling to help sustain and improve the food chain and feed those in need. The Felix Project come here every single morning to collect food surplus. It is a truly thought-provoking and inspiring local charity. We are immensely proud to know that we are helping those in need by donating fresh, nutritious, fruit and vegetables.”

Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, spent a day at the Park Royal depot and praised the charity.

''There can be no justification for food poverty in a country such as ours. However it does, and having such a fantastic charity based out of Ealing is a real source of pride, and it was inspiring to see the work they do.''

There are lots of opportunities to get involved with The Felix Project, and they want to hear from people who want to help.

If you can spare a few hours, volunteering is a great way to support your local community. You can register your interest at www.thefelixproject.org/volunteer

6 August 2019