Greater Anglia passengers help provide thousands of meals through winter donations

A winter foodbank appeal run across several Greater Anglia stations in West Essex and Hertfordshire has resulted in the equivalent of more than 1,900 meals being provided for people in crisis. Customers and staff contributed to the collections, which took place over a two-month period.

Donation points were set up between 20 October and 14 December at Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow Town, Harlow Mill, Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations. Passengers were invited to drop off non-perishable food and essential items while passing through the stations.

Around 800kg of food was gathered through the appeal, calculated as enough to provide 1,904 meals for individuals and families supported by local foodbanks. Toiletries, sanitary products and household essentials were also donated. A staff raffle generated a further £210.

Extra funds were collected thanks to Greater Anglia Train Presentation colleague Lloyd Griffin, who played the electric organ at Bishop’s Stortford station and raised £305 in donations from the public.

All contributions were distributed to foodbanks in Harlow, Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford, ensuring the support reached local residents during the winter months. The initiative was coordinated by relief ticket office clerk Michael King, with support from colleagues including Harlow Town ticket office supervisor Paul Hall, train presentation team member Lloyd Griffin and roster clerk Lorraine Portnow. Thanks were also extended to Laura Todd, a Special Educational Needs and Disability Careers Advisor at Essex County Council, for a generous personal contribution.

Michael King, event organiser and Relief Ticket Office Clerk at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet stations, said:

“I would like to thank everyone who donated and showed such generosity throughout the collection period. It has been brilliant to see how much has been raised again this year, and every single donation will make a real difference to people who need support in our local communities.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, added:

“We are extremely grateful for the kindness shown by both our customers and colleagues. The response has been fantastic, and it is something we are very proud of. It means a great deal to know that this support will reach local people and families who need it most.”

Image: Greater Anglia