Social action charity partners with historic Central Synagogue to launch ‘giving’ kitchen

Social action charity GIFT has partnered with an historic London synagogue to launch a food kitchen initiative.

The new ‘Giving Kitchen’ at Central synagogue in Great Portland Street, which is over 160 years old, will provide meals for GIFT recipients on a monthly basis.

The expansion will help support more people in need and is supported by a brand new group of volunteers.

Rebbetzin Naomi Lerer of Central synagogue said: “When we first discussed the idea of ‘The Giving Kitchen’ at Central Synagogue, we couldn’t think of a better partner than GIFT to turn our vision into reality. With the passion of our incredible Central volunteers and GIFT’s experience, it makes the perfect partnership.”

The Giving Kitchen at Central will provide 50 meals including fruit salad, soup and a main course to GIFT recipients and an additional 50 soups to a local women’s shelter. The meals are created by Sarah Isaac, who started as a volunteer and has now become the project’s kitchen manager and head chef.

At the launch event at the shul, attended by Chief Rabbi Mirvis, volunteers prepared, packed and delivered meals.

Volunteer Jane Keisner said: “The first session exceeded my expectations of what we were able to produce for people in need in the community and how much fun we had together as a group. There’s no better joy than that of giving to others!”

Lauren Fried, volunteer and the driving force behind ‘The Giving Kitchen’ said: ‘It’s so exciting to see ‘The Giving Kitchen’ expanding – engaging more volunteers and helping to meet the increasing needs both within the Jewish community and beyond.’