'Tastes like Tom' - the couple feeding Twickenham children

Tom and Abbey Swanson expanded their food business “Tastes like Tom” to help children who risk going hungry while not at school.

The Government came under widespread criticism in January for putting together parcels many considered too sparse to feed kids.

This “inadequate” response inspired the Swanson’s to step in and put together their own packages for local families requiring some immediate relief.

“It was supposed to be a one off, but more and more people in the community got involved to the point our house was full to the brim with food,” said Mrs Swanson.

Tastes like Tom delivers to families within Twickenham

Three weeks later donations expanded to the point that Tastes like Tom got in touch with local school welfare officers, to coordinate delivery to the Twickenham’s most vulnerable families.

“We wanted to show that there is enough food to go round and that by working together as a community we can look after the most vulnerable without having to rely on the Government’s company’s food parcels - or lack of,” added Mrs Swanson.

A Tastes like Tom food package

Parcels are filled with dry goods such as tins, pastas and grains and long-life items.

Financial donations go towards supplying each package with fresh food like meats, fruits and veg and dairy products.

The family deliver within a 5-mile radius of Twickenham.

“We are by no means an official charity, we are just a normal family trying to do our bit and we encourage others to do the same, however they can,” said Mrs Swanson.

To get in touch or make a donation contact TasteslikeTom here.