Oliver Way, head chef at the Nourish Hub, and his team of volunteers preparing delicious, climate-conscious treats for the one-year anniversary celebrations
Hammersmith & Fulham’s Nourish Hub has been fighting food poverty and supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis since it was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen Consort one year ago.
Last Wednesday (17 May), the Shepherds Bush community hub celebrated its first year of serving the local community.
Since its official opening, it has welcomed members of the local community over 46,000 times and dished out more than 39,000 hot meals.
H&F Deputy Leader Cllr Ben Coleman said: “In these tough times, it’s good to know that our Nourish Hub has been able to feed and support hundreds of local residents over the past year.
“I’m hugely grateful to everyone who has dedicated their time and effort to this. We’re determined to beat food poverty in the cost-of-living crisis.”
Royal seal of approval
In February 2022, Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the H&F community kitchen and cafe at Swanscombe House, 1 St Ann's Road.
The former Duchess of Cornwall is the charity patron of UKHarvest, who – with the help of a £2.3m boost from H&F Council – run the award-winning hub on the Edward Woods Estate.
Serving 200 meals a day, it’s established itself as the go-to destination for local people to come together and eat deliciously nutritious meals on a pay-what-you-can basis.
“The food is absolutely fantastic. It’s out of this world,” said local resident Caroline.
Grab a meal
Every payment acts as a donation that benefits the local community. Its ever-changing menu includes plant-based meals and tasty treats at a price you choose.
What's more, all ingredients, produce, and foods used are rescued, helping to ensure that less food goes to waste.
“Our rescued sources include farms, supermarkets and more,” said Ffion Hayward, manager of the Nourish Hub.
To date, the hub has rescued and repurposed 44 tonnes of food.
Neighbours are invited to chat over a hot meal or coffee in the colourful four falls of the White City hub Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 3pm. No booking needed, just drop by.
Or pay an early visit to grab breakfast at the new, bi-monthly Brekky Club. Find out what else is on via the Nourish Hub on their website.
Eat, learn, love
Fully equipped with a commercial kitchen, the hub hosts culinary training sessions to nourish local people with both food and skills.
“We offer volunteering and training opportunities for people to learn about how to reduce food waste, gain cookery skills and knowledge around healthy eating,” Ffion explained.
Over the last year, more than 100 volunteers have donated over 10,000 hours of their time to run 620 education, community and cultural events alongside staff at the hub.
“It gives us the opportunity to be part of something quite special,” said Mouni, local resident and volunteer at the Nourish Hub. “It’s making sure that everyone feels like there are people there for them. If people around you feel good, you feel good too.”
It ties in with our Nourish Project’s wider aim to do create local, sustainable solutions to climate change. Watch the full video here on YouTube.
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