February 2016

Local heroes
The 'Rose Voucher' is
helping to improve the
health of families in need,
says Rhowena MacCuish
Jonathan Pauling, Alexandra Rose Charity (left) with Wayne
Campbell, Ridley Road market manager
In recent years rates of food poverty in London
have skyrocketed, with huge numbers of families
seeking support from the capital's food banks.
At the same time, rates of childhood obesity
continue to rise among the poorest communities.
The Alexandra Rose Charity recognises the
importance of early-age development and
have set up a scheme that provides fruit and
vegetable vouchers to families
receiving benefits and who
have children under the age of
5. The vouchers, worth £3 per
child per week, or £6 if the child
is under a year old, mean that
hard-up parents can keep their
children healthy, avoid obesity
and illnesses related to poor
diet, while helping their kids'
development.
Jonathan Pauling, the charity's
director, has been working
closely with Wayne Campbell,
manager of Ridley Road market, to encourage
more vendors to get on board with the scheme.
As well as at Ridley Road market, the vouchers
can also be redeemed at fruit and veg stalls set
up through East London Food Access. Head to
elfaweb.org.uk for a diary of where and when.
“a great way
to get families
eating fresh fruit
and veg”
"The Rose Vouchers for the Fruit & Veg project
is a great way to get families in Hackney eating
more fresh fruit and veg," says Jonathan,
"while supporting local markets who play
such an important role in promoting a healthy
food culture. We are proud to be working in
partnership with Hackney’s children’s centres,
the markets team at Hackney Council and Food
Matters to deliver the scheme. Over the next year
we hope to expand the project
to support more families. If
you want to help local families
to access healthier food and
avoid food poverty you can
donate through our website.
Most importantly, shop local to
support your fantastic street
markets."
This great charity is working hard
to help the most vulnerable,
with planned expansion into
a number of new children’s
centres and other markets in
Hackney. It hopes that the success of the project
will encourage other areas to take up the scheme
so that more families can be supported to give
their children a healthy start.
Vouchers can be collected at local children's
centres, which also provide a range of health
and wellbeing activities, together with support,
workshops and play groups.
To find out more information head to their website at
alexandrarosecharities.org.uk
12 LOVEEAST