Five Goodgymers sprang out of bed and made their way to the Hounslow Community Foodbox in Brentford to help sort through food donations and make up food parcels this morning. Harvey, Fleur, Luis, Remy and Michelle were anything but lazy, as they got packing.

The Foodbox started in 2012 after local councillors and volunteers identified a risk of people going without. This year they have seen a big increase in referrals for individuals couples and families in need of food and other essentials. They work with the Hounslow Council Community Hub to ensure people get access to the right advice and support aswell as food parcels. In the build up to Christmas the volunteers are also organising hampers and gifts for families who are referred for food donations.

There was lots to do and after a briefing we got to work. Luis and Remy counting up donations and restocking the shelves, while Harvey, Michelle and Fleur made up food parcels for single adults, couples and families. Food donations are welcome Tuesday to Saturday between 10-13:00 weekdays and up to midday on Saturdays. In just over 2.5 hours we’d bagged up enough donations to go out across the borough with the five volunteer drivers.

A brilliant team effort!