Waitrose community leaders witness extraordinary work of Woodley Lunch Bunch

BY NICK MARR

Ilyas and Steph, the dedicated community leads from Waitrose in Woodley, embarked on a visit to the Emmanuel Church Centre on August 22nd. Their purpose was to personally witness the incredible efforts undertaken by a team of dedicated volunteers.

A beacon of community collaboration, Woodley’s Waitrose stepped up by contributing £800 to support a vital community initiative. This venture known as the Woodley Lunch Bunch, operates a much-needed packed lunch delivery service for children during school holidays.

The Woodley Lunch Bunch extends its caring arms during school breaks, reaching out to families in Woodley (RG5) grappling with financial hardship and other challenges. The scope of their benevolence includes not only nourishment but also the delivery of engaging activity packs, essential hygiene parcels, and crucial food packages.

Woodley Lunch Bunch was set up in the summer of 2020 in response to the financial impact on many families during the pandemic. The urgent need, exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis, serves as a sombre reminder of their significance. Juliet Sherratt, the visionary behind this effort, was moved to action by the plight of families struggling to provide meals during the summer holidays.

Juliet passionately revealed: “This week alone, we’re preparing 155 lunches for families within the RG5 area. Our lunch packs encompass not just a nourishing meal, but also provisions of additional food and engaging activities for children. The cash donation from Woodley’s Waitrose store has been an invaluable contribution to our cause. It’s a substantial undertaking for us, and its support is deeply appreciated.”

Juliet further shared that their weekly outreach spans nearly 70 families, with an unfortunate waiting list of others in dire need. Their meticulous approach extends to catering to food allergies and the dietary preferences of children.

Waitrose’s community lead, Steph, marvelled at the grandeur of the operation. “This is truly an operation for the community by the community.”

Behind the scenes, the heart-warming effort of food preparation unfolded in a designated kitchen area, accessible solely to those clad in essential food safety gear.

A resplendent 5-star food hygiene rating

On that very morning, the Woodley Lunch Bunch welcomed an assessment from the Food Standards Agency, resulting in a stellar 5-star rating. This accolade underscores their rigorous hygiene standards and unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance. A local food safety officer ensures that businesses adhere to food hygiene laws, thereby guaranteeing the safety of the meals provided.

The inspection revolves around three vital dimensions:

Hygienic food handling: Covering the spectrum of food preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling, and storage.

Business environment: Including factors such as cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, pest control, and facilities.

Safety management: Scrutinising processes, training, and systems to maintain impeccable hygiene. Additionally, the officer gauges the level of confidence in future standards maintenance.

Jen Gale, the Food Safety Lead for the Woodley Lunch Bunch, expressed jubilation at the coveted 5-star rating, underscoring its pivotal role in their operations.

A cycle of generosity

The Woodley Lunch Bunch draws its strength from the magnanimity of the local community. The community’s support manifests in various forms: food and activity donations, provision of premises, monetary contributions, as well as guidance and funding from sponsors.

For those inspired to contribute tangibly, the Woodley Lunch Bunch has curated an Amazon wish list, offering a direct avenue for immediate assistance.

In a world where compassion and collaboration thrive, the Woodley Lunch Bunch shines as a beacon of unity, steadfastly committed to uplifting lives.