In support of World Food Day, 16 October, New Hall’s Eco Council has hosted a great number of initiatives, including today’s donation of more than 1,100 items to Chelmsford Foodbank.

Throughout the week, members of New Hall’s Senior Divisions have been collecting food and toiletries to support their local Foodbank, which has been helping people for ten years. Last year, Chelmsford Foodbank provided 7,455 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, with a growing need for provisions made worse by the cost-of-living crisis.

Mrs Wilson, Teacher of Biology and leader of the Eco Council, commented on the generosity of New Hall families for the local community: “I am so proud of our students and their families.  We filled a minibus full of donations, and students have been very keen to give their time to help.  Everyone has been so moved by the experience over the last few days that they are already planning the next charity initiative.”

“These were the donations I brought in!” commented Sixth Form student Archie, as he put a heavy bag on the scale, one of dozens that he helped to carry. After weighing in over 470 kilograms of donations, students had a tour of the Foodbank, and learned about the sorting process and the impact the donations can make.  Students were very moved when they were told that all shelves would be empty within a matter of days.

In addition to the charity initiative, students at New Hall learned about how they can reduce their own personal food waste and many students have entered the “Waste Less” Cookery Competition.

This World Food Day at New Hall School raised awareness, not only of our own food consumption and waste, but inspired students to consider how their time and help can benefit our wider community, especially through volunteering and charity initiatives.