Construction firm Murphy have given the CNJ use of one of their vans to help deliver food to those who are unable to access meals during the coronavirus crisis

• IT’S great news that the CNJ’s food aid van is back, (Help us make sure nobody goes hungry again, October 15). But what a pity that we are in this situation again.

It’s very important that Camden’s charities collaborate on this effort. These charities already know how to provide food and support to those most in need.

However another local charity, the Food Chain, knows how to deliver this essential support to people living with HIV. And, like the food-van group, they also know what to send to make these services really effective.

It’s easy to feel outraged on behalf of students self-isolating in halls of residence. They report being sent pot noodles and crisps, but no fresh fruit and vegetables.

But if the majority are young, fit, and healthy there are unlikely to be long-term problems for health. Even if this short shock of junk food is unappetising.

So how do charities, including the Food Chain, provide food aid for all at-risk groups?

The Camden-based Food Chain has been providing access to food and nutrition support for people living with HIV at times of crisis since 1988.

The charity’s HIV-specialist registered dietitians tailor the support offered to maximise nutritional value. This helps achieve best possible health outcomes for those in need across London.

The Food Chain says that, during the Covid-19 crisis, demand for their essential grocery service has risen dramatically. For people experiencing severe hardship, referrals have been at almost four times their usual level.

Siobhán Lanigan from the Food Chain reports: “Between April and September 2020, the charity has supported 442 households with the provision of groceries.

“But to make this work properly we also supply other essential products. These include toiletries and items such as kettles, tin openers and microwave ovens.

“In a typical year the Food Chain would spend £4,000 per month on groceries. But since April 2020 this has risen to an average of £14,000 each month. Demand for the Food Chain services remains high. Unfortunately a further increase is expected to come during the second wave of Covid-19.

“The Food Chain does not receive any statutory income. It depends on income from charitable trusts, fundraising events, and individual donors.

“The Food Chain depends on a large network of volunteers to help deliver our services. No more so than during the Covid-19 crisis. We’ve needed many people to shop and deliver groceries to vulnerable people right across London.”

Residents near to Russell Square will perhaps remember one of the Food Chain’s events.

A few years ago, shoppers in Waitrose were asked to donate food from the shelves and to help make the most of this we were given a shopping list. These items, we knew, would be of proper use to them and fully nutritious.

Many congratulations to all the essential charities working for the CNJ food van. From Age UK to the Young Camden Foundation, they are doing an essential job.

But let’s not forget the Food Chain. To help meet the increased cost of their service, the Food Chain is running a public fundraising appeal. You can visit https://www.foodchain.org.uk for more details or go straight to their appeal at https://gf.me/u/yj8rqd.

ROY TREVELION
Tankerton Street, WC1