AN initiative that started in Acton will deliver 50,000 meals to those in need across London.

City Harvest diverts quality food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to people facing food poverty.

It is teaming with Arriva Rail London, which operates the London Overground on behalf of Transport for London.

The partnership stems from the efforts of ARL staff David Cranstoun and Pauline Lawler, who nominated City Harvest last year to receive a one-off donation from the company’s charity scheme.

David and Pauline then worked with colleagues to set up a food collection point at Acton Central station and arranged volunteer stints for employees at the charity’s warehouse.

Colleagues across ARL provided the equivalent of 2,799 meals through food collections and monetary donations.

The hours volunteered also equated to 12.5 tons of food rescued, 29,680 meals delivered to charities and 31 tons of greenhouse gas emissions prevented.

Mr Cranstoun, a customer host, said: “It’s a huge honour to be a part of this initiative and to see our partnership with City Harvest develop from a one-off donation into an ongoing collaboration.

“Last year, our colleagues came together to support our local communities. This year, we’re committed to making an even bigger difference."

This year's initiative aims to deliver an extra 50,000 meals to Londoners.

During the whole of October, there will be food collection points at 17 London Overground stations, including Acton Central, where donations can be left.

www.cityharvest.org.uk