Food distribution hub moves to Bookham

It was a meeting of young and old, and a coming together of several strands of Surrey’s communities yesterday at Bookham youth centre where Surrey’s food distribution hub, will be now be housed.

Paul Woodhouse Unit leader for Runnymede was the first to arrive to open the doors to the vacant youth centre to welcome in cadets from Epsom, Runnymede, Woking and Guildford from The Volunteer Police Cadets. The youngsters have been busy packing food boxes that support shielding residents during the COVID-19 lockdown. The number of boxes being sent out is lessening, as lockdown lifts but food parcels will continue to be dispatched to vulnerable residents, and support will continue to be provided to those who may be self-isolating and in urgent need of food.

Whilst the cadets were busy beavering away with the food boxes of tinned and dry goods, in the back room the team of Bookham Community Fridge volunteers were stocking the newly relocated Community Fridge with fresh produce. Food which would usually go to waste and landfill, donated by local producers, catering companies, hospitals and supermarkets. Bread, vegetables, fruit and even some locally made jam.

Surrey County Council chairman Tony Samuels, Mole Valley District Council chairman Mary Huggins Jane Harwood Cell Lead, Resident Welfare and Volunteering, Surrey Local Resilience Forum paid a visit to thank the cadets for all their hard work and to see for themselves how the new hub was going. Gavin Stephens – Surrey Chief Constable and David Munroe – Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner also both gave their personal thanks to the young cadets for stepping up to the plate in helping their communities in their summer holidays.

Surrey County Council Chairman Tony Samuels said : “I’d like to thank Mole Valley District Council for their support and cooperation in facilitating this move. As we continue to support those self-isolating as a result of Coronavirus. The hub once again shows partners from across the county coming together to support local communities”.

For anyone who is struggling to get hold of their groceries or essentials due to shielding or having to self isolate please read the following Surrey Matters article for some advice on options available…. https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/surrey-matters/community/getting-food