Addressing the needs of the Haringey community

Organiser Moussa Amine Sylla provides an update on the progress being made by Haringey Community Food Network

The recent AGM for Haringey Community Food Network

Saturday, 12th April marked a pivotal moment in our journey at the Haringey Community Food Network (HCFN) as 41 passionate community members gathered at the Mind In Haringey offices to reflect on our shared successes, confront challenges, and set a bold vision for the future.

The energy in the room was palpable—a true convergence of ideas, passion, and commitment to building an inclusive network that not only addresses immediate community needs but also lays a resilient foundation for tomorrow.

At the heart of our discussions was the reinvigoration of our shared vision—one that transcends traditional boundaries and celebrates the strength and diversity of our network.

Participants stressed the importance of proactive engagement, reaching out to underserved demographics, and ensuring every community voice is included in our decision-making processes.

Sally Sturgeon, HCFN chair, said: “Together (53 organisations), we are forming tremendous impacts and are absolutely indispensable to our most vulnerable. We need to work together for the betterment of our society.”

Our conversations also delved into strengthening our internal structure and communication channels. By embracing innovative approaches—such as multi-channel outreach, dynamic volunteer coordination, and institutionalised feedback mechanisms like the Poverty Truth Commission—we are poised to create a network that is both agile and deeply responsive to the evolving needs of our people.

With a sharpened focus on structured support, our immediate goal is to bridge the gap between grassroots efforts and policy influence, ensuring our work makes an impact at both the community level and within broader decision-making circles.

A particularly exciting development at the event was the announcement of a new partnership with Humanity Project. This collaboration will allow us to leverage their expertise in social innovation and community empowerment, amplifying our collective impact.

Clare Farell, a community activist and co-convenor of Humanity Project, said: “You’re already doing it here in Haringey—coming together, discussing, and uniting in facing adversity. That is real democracy. What we need are mechanisms in place to get our community voices heard in places that drive action from those working within the system and put them into accountability.”

Looking ahead, we are entering a promising new chapter for HCFN, one that calls for every community member, volunteer, and partner to get involved. Your ideas, energy, and engagement are the lifeblood of our network. Whether you wish to share your thoughts, collaborate on initiatives, or learn more about our activities, we welcome your participation with open arms.

Join us in this exciting journey as we work together to transform challenges into opportunities and create lasting, meaningful change. Let’s build on our collective strengths and shape a sustainable, inclusive future for Haringey.

For more information about Haringey Community Food Network:
Email [email protected]
Visit hcfn.org.uk

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