During a time when many members of our community were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we found a way to help.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, from individuals to businesses nationwide. We have experienced this ourselves with the hospitality industry being one of the hardest hit, with closures and restrictions. During the recent closures, we discussed how we could give back to the community that has supported us so much since taking over the White Lion back in 2013. We decided to do a one-off free fruit and veg stall, allowing anyone in Bengeo who was maybe struggling financially to come along and take what they needed. It was our way to say thank you.
We had such a great response from people visiting the stall as well as people getting in touch asking if we would accept donations as a thank you that we wondered if we should continue. Fast forward 9 weeks and we ran the fruit and veg stall for 10 consecutive weekends and it remained free of charge. Following a great number of requests we put in place a donations pot for those wanting to make a donation and this money goes to the Hertfood campaign run by Debs at Manic Ceramics, based on Port Vale, Hertford.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of not only those making financial donations when collecting fruit and veg but also those that have donated veg, fruit, eggs and baked goods as well as neighbours donating their time to help us continue to run the stall.
Hertfood was set up by Debs to help those in Hertford and neighbouring areas who were struggling as a result of the pandemic. We are so grateful that we have been able to help and to date, have raised in excess of an amazing £2000.
Donations can be made to Hertfood by purchasing goods through their Amazon Wish List - https://amzn.to/3rh85Sr
Unfortunately we aren't going to be able to run the stall forever but it has been truly overwhelming to see the community come together in such challenging times.
We are so grateful to the local Bengeo magazine for allowing us to share our story and spread the positive message of helping our community.