When Sarasin & Partners' offices shut during the COVID lockdowns we began to use our in-house chef to cook meals for The Peel Institute, a local charity in Clerkenwell, to distribute to those in need in their community.
Since then, we have delivered over 1,500 meals with The Peel Institute... and are asking 20 other organisations to support The Peel in their vital work.
Our efforts to support the local community have never been more important than now, as Clerkenwell faces the challenges of cold winter and the cost of living crisis.
Inspired by our initiative, The Peel would like to scale up the supply of food by asking other local companies and catering establishments to help feed the people of Clerkenwell.
The aim is to deliver a couple of food drops for the households in the Clerkenwell catchment area every week in a mutually manageable way, to ensure that a meaningful number of meals are cooked weekly. The Peel fully appreciates that not many companies may be able to provide weekly meals, but is asking if you can commit to provide a number of meals over the course of a year.
Why The Peel Institute needs our help
Statistics are sobering when considering the number of food-vulnerable families on an estate of 260 units, with 76 families requiring ongoing food assistance.
This category of vulnerable people includes disabled elderly people or families led by incapacitated people. Given that there are 6 such estates in The Peel’s vicinity, it is reasonable to assume that there are approximately 500 such people to support on a regular basis.
Moreover, the head of the local primary school has informed The Peel that only half of their pupils are now eligible for free school meals. This means that the meals we provide are most likely the only nutritious food these children receive. This was evidenced during the summer holidays when many young people signed up for activities, once they realised lunch would be on offer. Providing children with ready meals to take home will be most welcome.
If you think your company could support The Peel Institute by providing meals, financial donations or volunteering, please contact Olu Alake at [email protected]
More about The Peel Institute
The Peel Institute is a charity that’s been building a connected community in Clerkenwell since 1898, and run activities for adults, activities for children and young people and mental health awareness projects.
Their mission:
- To help children living in poverty to improve their life chances by connecting them and their families with others in the community
- To help older people who are lonely or at risk of isolation to become active citizens by connecting them with others in the community
- To provide opportunities for all residents of Clerkenwell to participate in activities through which they can make acquaintances across divides, for mutual benefit
Want to find out more? Go to thepeel.org.uk