Runners aged 8 to 75 from Loughton AC took part in what we hope was the first of many successful Food Banks Runs for Epping Forest Foodbank on 7 February.
A national initiative begun this year by runners from Fareham, a Food Bank Run involves club runners donating an item or two and running it to their local foodbank.
Loughton AC hosted their Food Bank Run as part of regular training on a Tuesday night, to maximise donations - boosted by a collection at Roding Valley Parkrun the previous Saturday.
On the night, generous club members brought bags of essential goods with them down to the clubhouse so, after each of the 6 run groups had headed off on their mile run to the foodbank, items in hand, the U12 group stepped in and ran the extra bags of goodies from the clubhouse down to the waiting cars as part of their training session.
The runners were greeted by the cheers and applause of foodbank volunteers on arrival at the foodbank - a welcome surprise! But there was no time to linger mid-training session so, after dropping their items, each run group set off for the rest of their workout.
Foodbank volunteers braved the cold to take in the items but were thrilled with the result: nearly 150kg of essential food and sanitary items for local families going through a difficult time.
Loughton AC hopes this will mark the start of a regular community partnership with Epping Forest Foodbank!