Berkhamsted charities join forces to feed those in need during lockdown

Food donations for the meal bags have been coming in from local supermarkets and market stalls
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Two charities in Berkhamsted have teamed up to provide a free meal service for the most vulnerable in their community.

Every Tuesday and Thursday during lockdown, volunteers from Open Door and Berko Food for Friends are delivering freshly cooked main courses and desserts to older people, and those who are self isolating or struggling financially.

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Open Door, a community centre in Berkhamsted, was set up three years ago to be a safe and welcoming space for people to meet, make friends, and be active and creative. Berko food for friends is a free service which delivers food to the elderly and very vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jo Fisher, who volunteers for the meal service, with Joan Fisher, the co-founder of Open Door, outside the PantryJo Fisher, who volunteers for the meal service, with Joan Fisher, the co-founder of Open Door, outside the Pantry
Jo Fisher, who volunteers for the meal service, with Joan Fisher, the co-founder of Open Door, outside the Pantry

Christine Delaney, who helped set up the service in July, said: “We made almost 1,500 deliveries during the last lockdown, and know that a delicious meal delivered with a friendly smile was the highlight of many people’s week.

"It’s impossible to overestimate the isolation some people are experiencing right now, and we want to do what we can to take some of the worry away.”

Food donations have been coming in from local supermarkets and market stalls. These are skilfully turned into balanced, nutritious meals by school chef Mark Sear, who has almost 30 years’ catering experience under his belt.

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Open Door is also making sure essential supplies are available, free of charge, in the Community Pantry outside their entrance on the High Street.

The meal bagsThe meal bags
The meal bags

Mary-Jane Martin, volunteer manager, said: “We’ve been lucky that so many people have stepped forward to offer help since the current lockdown started.

"This means we now have two fantastic volunteers looking after the Pantry, making sure it stays full of food and other vital products, like nappies and toiletries.

"We have a very small budget to do this, and are grateful for any contributions the Berkhamsted community can make.”

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There are also community pantries at St Mary’s Church, Northchurch, and Northchurch Baptist Church.

Joan Fisher, the co-founder of Open Door, with Jo Fisher, who volunteers for the meal serviceJoan Fisher, the co-founder of Open Door, with Jo Fisher, who volunteers for the meal service
Joan Fisher, the co-founder of Open Door, with Jo Fisher, who volunteers for the meal service

If you would like to order a meal for you or on behalf of someone else, email: [email protected].

The Community Pantry is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people to take what they need, or contribute food and other essentials.

If you would like to make a donation to support Open Door’s work in the community, email [email protected].

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For volunteering opportunities with Open Door visit: [email protected]

For more information about Open Door click here, and for more about Berko Food for Friends visit: www.facebook.com/Berkofoodforfriends.

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