Join the Fight Against Hunger: Newhaven Food Charity Approaches £30K Appeal Goal!

Havens Food Cooperative in Newhaven, East Sussex, is facing a serious challenge. The cooperative needs to raise £30,000 to avoid closing its doors. Recently, they started a crowdfunding campaign to gather the necessary funds, and they’ve already made some progress, raising £12,000 so far.

One generous donor has committed to matching contributions, promising to give £15,000 if the campaign can reach that amount. Paula Woolven, the founder of Havens Food, expressed her gratitude, saying the support has been overwhelming and heartwarming.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for rallying to try and save us at the eleventh hour,” she shared.

The cooperative does vital work by collecting surplus food from local supermarkets, including items that are mislabelled or considered “wonky.” Each month, they gather over three tonnes of food, which benefits more than 60 households daily. They provide this food to food banks, schools, and families in need.

Founded in 2020, Havens Food has grown rapidly. They source food from 19 supermarkets in the Brighton and Eastbourne areas. Volunteers play a significant role, and thanks to their hard work, the cooperative has become a vital resource in the community.

Among the supporters, Anne Clark, managing director of MCL Transport Consultants, has made the largest individual donation of £5,000. She emphasized the importance of preserving such a unique service that helps collect perishable food for those who need it most.

Mark Boxall, from Shoreline Accounts, also contributed £500. He said, “I’d love to volunteer for this fantastic community service, but because I can’t commit the time, I’m happy to donate instead.” His hope is that the cooperative can secure enough funds to continue its critical work.

As the deadline approaches, the strong community support will be essential in determining the future of Havens Food Cooperative. It is not just about raising money; it’s about sustaining a lifeline for many in East Sussex.

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