Charity ‘delighted’ after receiving £240k funding to help tackle food insecurity

A food charity has received £240,000 of National Lottery Funding to help tackle food insecurity in South London.

Be Enriched, based in Canterbury Crescent, Tooting, will use the cash injection to run its community canteens, food bus project, and school holiday provisions.

Kemi Akinola, chief executive of Be Enriched, said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. 

“Now we will be able to press on with our plans to enrich communities through food and broaden the range of opportunities available to our community.”

In the last year alone, Be Enriched has served 1300 food customers with low cost, fresh food, provided 235 children with education, food and activities during school holidays and welcomed 2265 guests to its community canteens.

The charity’s community canteens bring residents together with volunteers to cook a nutritious meal using surplus food at three locations each week.

Established in September 2013 by a dedicated group of youth workers, arts professionals, and young people, Be Enriched aims to bring people together to cultivate long-standing relationships within communities. 

Pictured top: Kemi Akinola, chief executive of Be Enriched holds a £240,000 check of National Lottery Funding (Picture: Be Enriched)