London Lions announce partnership with London-based food distribution charity, City Harvest

All donations from the Lions’ EuroCup game at Wembley Arena on November 1 provided over 12,000 free meals for children supported by City Harvest

London Lions player, Jonathan Komagum, talks about his own experience receiving free meals when he was younger and the importance of the partnership to combat child poverty in London

The London Lions has announced a partnership with London-based food distribution charity, City Harvest. The Lions waived all attendance fees for their EuroCup fixture at the OVO Arena Wembley on November 1, instead favouring donations for the charity. The total amount raised from the game provided over 12,000 free meals for children supported by City Harvest.

The partnership marks the latest initiative from the team as the Lions aim to make an impact not only on the court but also in their community. City Harvest rescues nutritious surplus food from manufacturers, suppliers, producers and retailers, and delivers, for free, to 375+ London charities feeding those facing food poverty. Aiding nutrition and sustainability by providing life-changing support to communities in every London borough through food donations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste. The charity is running ‘The Big Give Christmas Challenge – Feed a London Child’ from November 29 to December 6, during this time donors will have their donation doubled to City Harvest – meaning every £1 donated, the charity will get £2.

Recent research by the Labour-run London Assembly finds that London boroughs make up five out of the top ten UK areas with the highest level of child poverty. Child food poverty rates in Tower Hamlets, East London are close to double the national average, according to a report from City Hall. The report reveals that the cost of a grocery shop is currently at a 42-year record high with food inflation above 14%. Further research from the Food Foundation found that food insecurity has doubled nationally in 2022 – highlighting the need to help families, particularly those in the capital facing food poverty – something which the partnership between City Harvest and the London Lions hopes to do.

Sarah Calcutt, CEO of City Harvest comments on the new partnership:

“City Harvest is delighted to be the new charity partner of the London Lions. As part of the fabric of London, City Harvest thrives on connecting key players with areas of need. We supply free food to many youth groups and schools running fit and fed programmes. These free community sessions encourage young people to channel their energy into sports and teamwork to develop key skills, agility and their overall health. 

“We thank everyone for supporting us by making a donation so we can continue to offer nutrition to children who would otherwise not eat. So many families are struggling to feed their children right now, please help us to help them. It was great to see how many people donated at the London Lions game and it means that we are able to provide over 12,000 free meals for children – we are looking forward to our continued partnership with the Lions.”
 

Jonathan Komagum, London Lions player comments:

“I grew up and lived in a place called Ferrier Estate which was in Kidbrooke and I attended Holy Family Primary School. I received free school meals when I was there because my father left when I was younger and so I was being raised by my mum and there were three other siblings so four children in total. Of course, my mum had four children to take care of and as a result of our circumstance we had free school meals.

“There is a lot of child poverty that is happening in England right now – caused by the cost of living crisis, prices going up and people not making enough money to allow them to get by. The crisis is very real and I feel that the London Lions partnership with City Harvest is a great thing as there are a lot of families in need for just the little things. When it comes to food, clothes, shelter, a lot families are finding it very tough, especially in London and hopefully this partnership will help that improve.” 
 

Lenz Balan, Vice President of 777, owners of the London Lions, added:

“We are very excited to welcome City Harvest as our new charity partner. We are focused on making an impact not only on the court but also in our community and hope that the fans will help get behind this initiative. The game at the OVO Arena Wembley marked a momentous occasion as it was just the second EuroCup game to be played in the UK since 2007 and the donations raised from the game provided over 12,000 free meals for children through City Harvest.”