120 tonnes of food saved from landfill to feed South London families

About 120 tonnes of food will be saved from landfill and instead, feed hundreds of South London families in need.

Food charity The Felix Project, based in Blackhorse Road, Deptford, has ensured the excess food bought and often left for the bins during the Christmas period has gone to good use.

Many food banks, pantries, schools and other places that families rely on to get food are closed over the Christmas period.

The Felix Project has worked with almost 90 community organisations, housing associations and schools who opened over Christmas and will continue into the new year to ensure the food helps those struggling with the high cost of living.

Lesley White, regional family support leader from Forest Academy School in Bridle Road, Croydon, said: “With our gates closed, the food bank and free school meals, which so many rely on, will not be available.

“It will mean parents facing the extra costs of trying to feed their children this holiday. We know so many are struggling and simply cannot afford it.

“This additional service, which is being made possible thanks to The Felix Project will be a game-changer for hundreds and be the difference between their children going hungry or not.”

Until January 1, The Felix Project will be delivering roughly 120 tonnes of food. It will involve driving 162 different routes and needs more than 600 volunteers to make it happen.

Each van will be filled with almost a tonne of food and could feed up to 150 families.

Rachel Ledwith, head of community for The Felix Project said: “It is a huge logistical operation and a first for The Felix Project.

“Each of the vans will be very full and will help so many who are struggling to afford to buy food. It is a very worrying time for so many people and we want to be able to do so much more, especially as we expect the cost of living crisis to push more families into poverty, many for the first time.”

To find out more about The Felix Project and how to donate, click here.

(Picture: The Felix Project)