'For Diwali we want to give back to those in need'

""Food poverty in London is increasing, and at this time of Diwali we want to give back to those who need it," says Vaidehi Pattani, who helped launch a food hamper initiative in London."

""We try to give a range of cupboard staples and quick foods, and then as a nice treat we give biscuits and a bar of chocolate. "One of our favourite things we give is a Diwali card to show that strangers care.""

""This has become part of my run-up to Diwali every year - it feels really rewarding to help people locally," one volunteer told BBC London."

"Another, who volunteers with their family, said: "It's a really enjoyable day taking part and getting together as a community and fantastic cause. "Diwali is all about spreading love and this is a great way to kick off the celebrations.""

Food poverty in London is increasing, prompting a Diwali Basket Brigade effort that began in Birmingham in 2018 and expanded to London in 2019. The campaign has donated 19,000 hampers overall and prepared 1,700 hampers this year. Volunteers of all ages pack hampers in the week before Diwali, organising donated cereals, pasta, rice, tins and biscuits, adding treats like biscuits and chocolate, and including handmade Diwali cards. Children contribute cards, volunteers perform quality checks and add stickers, and the hampers are distributed to Foodbank Aid, City Harvest, West Hampstead Community Food Bank and Burnt Oak Food Bank.

Read at www.bbc.com