Members of the Livery Companies were welcomed for an early morning tour round the New Covent Garden site at Nine Elms. The site has been open since 1974 when it transferred from the original “convent” Garden on the north side of the Thames. After 50 years the site is being rebuilt over several years to increase capacity. About 2500 people work there principally between 9 pm and 2 am. 70% of the produce is international and the buyers include shops, restaurants and hotels.
Food which would otherwise go to waste is rescued by City Harvest staff and added to other surplus food from farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. It is then delivered to 375+ charities across London, feeding over 100,000 people each week. It provides over 1.25 million meals a month to people facing food poverty.
The Water Conservators have been supporters of the Livery Food Initiative and City Harvest for several years. The Livery Food Initiative was launched in December 2022 and since October 2023 it has raised over £125,000 to support a City Harvest 7.5 tonne truck.
By diverting food waste it provides life-changing support to communities across London.
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