City Harvest, which has rescued thousands of tonnes of food from being wasted and turned it into 61 million healthy meals to serve those in need, has found a permanent space at one of the spots where they do the most work: New Covent Garden Market.
The charitable group and its representatives have earned a tenancy at Arch 5 and will move from their temporary home on Unit B72.
“The arch unit means that we are going to be able to host volunteers at the market, which will enable deliveries direct from the market into the local community, the tenants supporting their neighbours in Wandsworth and Lambeth,” says Sarah Calcutt, City Harvest CEO.
During a recent ceremony the Market celebrating the move, City Harvest gave green plaques to three donors who give a little extra to the charity, including Robert Hurren, Founder & CEO of County Supplies.
“As a family business, we are always looking for ways to help other families,” Hurren said. “For over 15 years, we have been incredibly proud to support City Harvest in their mission to feed families in need. With over 3 million tonnes of fresh produce wasted every year, simply by donating our surplus produce to City Harvest we are united in our effort to tackle food poverty and reduce food waste.”
Jason Tanner, Managing Director at The Menu Partners / Premier Foods Wholesale noted both the efforts of City Harvest’s work in serving the community while preventing excess food from going into in the bin.
“We recognise the importance of its work, particularly in the current economic climate,” Tanner said. “We also align closely with the City Harvest mission in sustainability and driving a better future. We’re constantly inspired by their dedicated team who truly love what they do and we encourage others in the industry to partner with them.”
Mary Parsons, Head of Food at City Harvest, in turn noted the tremendous generosity of traders at NCGM.
“The support we’ve received from the traders has been phenomenal, and we’re looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships across the market,” Parsons said. “We’re delighted to have a permanent home at the market and to be working with the traders on a daily basis. We appreciate the hard work that goes into getting good quality produce from farms to plates and when food can’t be sold for whatever reason, we’re passionate about feeding those less fortunate with it. Good food doesn’t have to be wasted.”
Gary Marshall, owner at Bevington Salads, agreed.
“It is a remarkable charity devoted to easing the pains of the cost-of-living crisis and working hard to support families,” he said. “The surplus food provided by New Covent Garden Market is too ripe for our retail customers, and City Harvest ensures no food is wasted. We are delighted to support them and will continue to do so.”
