Full Breakdown
Volunteers Combat Food Insecurity in York
4/9/2026, 1:23:41 PM
Community Efforts to Address Food Waste and Hunger
In York, England, two volunteers, Janet Leng, 75, and Marian Hodgson, 39, are making significant strides in addressing food insecurity amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. They work with the I Am Reusable food bank, redistributing surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Their efforts have reportedly helped feed "tens of thousands" of children in the community.
How the Food Redistribution Works
Leng and Hodgson collaborate with local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and train operators, to collect food that is either lightly damaged, past its best before date, or surplus. This food is then distributed between the I Am Reusable food bank and several schools, particularly those with a higher number of students eligible for free school meals. Hodgson noted their intuitive understanding of which food items are best suited for each school, stating, "It's automatic, our brain says 'that needs to go there and that needs to go there.'"
One of the schools they support is York High, which serves a student population that includes many from deprived backgrounds. The food collected is utilized in breakfast clubs and as supplements to school meals, with longer-lasting items like canned goods stocked in the school's community cupboard.
Recognition from the Community
Gavin Kumar, the principal of York High, praised Leng's contributions, calling her "a walking, talking, living saint" and highlighting the phenomenal impact of her work. He estimated that she has fed tens of thousands of students over the years, emphasizing her dedication to supporting vulnerable young people.
Motivation Behind the Initiative
Leng's journey into food redistribution began in 2021, following the onset of the war in Ukraine, which raised her concerns about potential grain shortages. She expressed her desire to make a positive impact locally, stating, "You can't do anything [in Ukraine], but what you can do is do something in a small way to make the world a better place around you."
Broader Implications
The work of Leng and Hodgson reflects a growing trend of community-led initiatives aimed at mitigating food waste and addressing hunger. Their model demonstrates how local partnerships can effectively support families in need, particularly during challenging economic times.
Verbatim Quotes
- "There's so much donated that there's often more than the food banks can cope with." — Janet Leng, Volunteer
- "Janet's a walking, talking, living saint. Genuinely, the work she does is phenomenal." — Gavin Kumar, Principal of York High
- "You can't do anything [in Ukraine], but what you can do is do something in a small way to make the world a better place around you." — Janet Leng, Volunteer
