FEEDING THOSE IN NEED
Ayesha Pakravan-Ovey
Her campaign:
Using her catering industry contacts to provide healthy, nutritious meals to those who really need them, through non-profit Vital Meals.
How it came about:
“My catering company, The Plattery, had all its orders cancelled at the beginning of lockdown as birthday parties, leaving dos and business meetings were postponed. It was also around this time that the supermarket shelves were being raided, with people stockpiling. I have access to wholesaler memberships and it almost felt selfish that I could get all this food, so I felt I had a duty to help people by sharing it. I first put in £600 of my own money and began posting on Facebook forums. An elderly gentleman’s granddaughter contacted me and the first 10 Vital Meals went to him. Now
I’ve expanded across London, with the help of crowdfunding, and have a team of volunteers. The Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association even donated their commercial kitchen.”
What it’s achieved so far:
Vital Meals has delivered 11,000 meals and counting. The non-profit venture has fed a family who had to choose between electricity and putting dinner on the table, domestic abuse survivors and a young man with debilitating mental health issues. Ayesha also now wants to make Vital Meals a permanent part of her business.
Top tips for getting involved?
“Don’t be possessive about your idea – you’ll get so much more done if you involve others and find out what their areas of expertise are.” ›