Leytonstone-based community kitchen The Farm is set to close soon unless it receives support to continue operating.
Lacking funding, volunteers and food storage space, the hub is struggling to continue its mission of delivering more than 200 meals a week.
Since pandemic restrictions were lifted, more people have gone to work, which has meant fewer volunteers in the kitchen, which previously delivered up to 500 meals each week to people in need.
The nonprofit company relies primarily on donations and funding, but has recently felt the ripple effects of government cuts and “the impact of rising food and utility costs.”
For a growing number of homeless individuals and families, and more recently middle-aged men, the cost of a week's worth of food alone can exceed £700.
Founder Carol Crowe, known in the community as “Caz,” said the struggle to stay in business was partly due to the knock-on effects of a lack of funding received, an issue that began after the cost of living crisis began after COVID-19. He said it started when.
She told the Standard: “We have previously received a bit of funding from the council and funding from the National Lottery for living expenses, but we are now struggling with no volunteers and no space to expand. ” And we are not fully funded by Congress.
“At the moment we are constantly on the brink as all the money that comes in goes out. Our main goal now is to raise funds to secure a new facility. We are unable to establish new roots. If we can't afford it, we will definitely close down. We need money to continue the project.”
They are looking for a new location to get the space they need, but their lease with their current private landlord is not scheduled to be renewed.
Waltham Forest Council is said to be currently working with the Hub to find a new site. If they are forced to close, it would be a huge blow to kitchen staff and the people who depend on them.
To donate to the Community Kitchen, go here: thefarmcommunitykitchen.com/donate
