“It’s important that people have access to home-cooked meals that they are used to eating. It is comforting to eat the food we know and love, especially throughout the pandemic when many people live alone and feel isolated. A member of our community once said that our meals “taste like back home"
There is a connection between food and culture. Anybody should be able to embrace their heritage through their cultural food, regardless of their circumstances or how much money they have. It’s important to remember that each dish has a special place in the culture to which it belongs, and is special to those who prepare it. Food is a portal into culture, and it should be treated as such.
We are happy and grateful to be able to offer the meals that we do. Carib Eats is more than just a tasty Caribbean-inspired meal. It’s a chance for people to connect and feel they are truly part of the wider community and not defined by their needs via our canteens"
- Ali Kakande, Founder of Carib Eats
At the start of 2020 Covid changed the world, including having a large impact on food poverty in Hackney. Without the help of a support system, many vulnerable people were struggling in lockdown.
2020
Whatsapp Received (20/03)
In response to Covid-19, a simple Whatsapp message asking for help was sent out
First Delivery
We delivered our first meal on the first Sunday of lockdown
Small Crowdfunding
The first 6 weeks were funded from our own pockets. A first round funding was required to keep serving meals
Online Crowdfunding
Online funding channels opened via Go Fund Me & Just Giving
Ewart’s Jerk Partnership
20 Dalston based volunteers helped bring smiles across Hackney
50 meals a week
Hit our goal of 50 meals a week being delivered to the community of Hackney
2021
Hired our head chef
We had grown so much that we needed to employ a head chef
Temporary kitchen
Set up our first temporary kitchen in Leaview house
1 Year Anniversary
Celebrated 1 year of helping people connect over Caribbean food
200 meals a week
200 meals a week being delivered to the community of Hackney
A break
We took a break from delivering meals, and to focus on future projects for Carib Eats
2022 - Now
Our First Canteen
We secured funding to operate our first Carib Eats canteen in S Hill, Hackney
Canteen No.2 in Northwold
We operated our second Carib Eats canteen in Northwold, Hackney
The Boilerhouse for No.3
We operated our third Carib Eats canteen in The Boilerhouse, Hackney
Partnership With Urban MBA
We partnered with Urban MBA to run a new canteen
Partner with Southern Housing
We partnered with Southern Housing to provide Carib Eats with a new home in Dalston!