New Barking food hub to deliver 10 tonnes each week

The BIG Heart Food Hub, based in Barking, is set to become east London’s largest food redistribution centre, delivering up to 10 tonnes of food each week to more than 20 food banks and community groups across the borough.

It aims to help thousands of residents struggling with food insecurity and the rising cost of living.

The BIG Heart Food Hub has officially launched in Barking, marking the beginning of an ambitious new response to food insecurity and the rising cost of living (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

Cllr Saima Ashraf, deputy leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "The BIG Heart Food Hub is a shining example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. I’m incredibly proud of the collaboration between the council, The Kindness Offensive, Food for All, Felix, and our community partners, who have come together with a shared commitment to supporting local residents.

Attendees enjoying food made fresh from the live cooking station (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

"The launch of this hub marks an important milestone in our response to poverty and the cost-of-living challenges facing many households."

Food preparations at the Big Heart Food Hub launch (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

The hub is the result of a partnership between Barking and Dagenham Council, The Kindness Offensive, Food for All, Felix, and City Harvest, with Kingsley Hall leading network engagement.

Food parcels using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

Many of the supplies will come via Felix, which rescues surplus food from the industry before it goes to waste and redistributes it to those in need. The partners are also exploring plans to offer volunteering, training, and business incubation schemes through the hub.

David Goodfellow, co-founder of The Kindness Offensive, said: "BIG Heart is partnership in action: a council, charities and local volunteers working together to put good food on local tables. It’s an honour to be part of it."

Attendees and volunteers enjoying a bite to eat (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

Peter O'Grady, trustee of Food for All, said: "The BIG Heart Food Hub is exactly the kind of high-impact project Food for All love to deliver."

The launch event was held on September 10 and gave visitors an inside look at the hub’s operations and impact.

Volunteers packing food crates for families (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

Guests were invited to take part in three interactive zones. At Pack with Purpose, attendees helped prepare family food parcels for delivery across the community.

Cookery Corner saw Barking and Dagenham chef Syed and his team demonstrate how to turn the hub’s ingredients into healthy, affordable meals.

Volunteers packing food for families (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council)

Meanwhile, the BIG Heart Buffet Bonanza offered a free vegetarian lunch, including vegan options, prepared by Food for All’s chefs.

The hub’s opening comes as more families across the borough face increasing financial pressure and food insecurity.