New Year, New Cheer: Goodbye Blues, Hello Good News!

18/01/2024

As the festive lights dim and the calendar turns to January, traditionally perceived as a month of post-holiday blues, Spitalfields Market is ushering in a refreshing perspective. Rather than succumbing to the melancholy often associated with the beginning of a new year, January at Spitalfields is celebrated as a season of good news and optimism.

The holiday season at Spitalfields Market was not just about festive decorations and bustling shoppers; it was a time of profound generosity and heartfelt solidarity as the market partnered with Feed London to support families facing adversity. The results of the Feed London Christmas 2023 initiative are nothing short of inspiring, showcasing the remarkable impact that collective efforts can have on those in need.

The Numbers Speak Volumes:

• Families Assisted: 260
• Children Supported: 600 (3,650 since launch)
• Meals Delivered: 6,240 (35,700 since launch)
• Supermarket Vouchers Distributed: £19,000 (£93,000 since launch)

Feed London reached out to families facing various challenges, including those dealing with child illnesses, single parents, individuals escaping modern slavery, and families with no recourse to public funds. The r results below reflect a commitment to inclusivity and addressing the unique needs of each family:

• Families with Child Illness: 161 (62% of total)
• Single Parents: 158 (61% of total)
• Escaping Modern Slavery: 40 (15% of total)
• No Recourse to Public Funds: 35 (13% of total)
• Escaping Domestic Violence: 30 (12% of total)
• Families with Child End of Life: 26 (10% of total)

Stories of Resilience:

The families supported by Feed London represent a mosaic of resilience in the face of adversity. From those dealing with child illnesses to single parents struggling with financial constraints, the stories paint a vivid picture of strength, determination, and the human spirit’s ability to endure.

Feed London in Action:

The success of the Feed London Christmas 2023 initiative is best captured in the words of those directly impacted. Families and referral partners expressed their gratitude and shared how the support made a tangible difference in their lives:

• Tower Hamlets Family: “The food box was so full of healthy and fresh food – I appreciate your support. The Tesco gift card helped me to buy food for children in the 2 weeks holiday.”
• Hestia, a Referral Partner: “Mothers who received the Liberty pamper bags were reduced to tears, and all pass on their thanks and love – it’s hard to express just what it means to know they are not forgotten – that people out there care.”
• Hackney Family: “Thank you so much for the food box and Tesco’s voucher – it’s really helpful. I’m definitely going to try all of the recipes!! Merry Xmas!!”

The stories of rebuilding families, supported by the community’s kindness, are a powerful reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose. As Spitalfields Market extends its commitment to community well-being, 2024 becomes a canvas for painting stories of resilience, renewal, and the enduring strength of collective acts of goodwill.