A couple from Borehamwood spend their time collecting unwanted food and offers a hot to those who need it.

John and Sheila Carlisle, of Grenfell Close, in Borehamwood, started their Gratitude Initiative more than three years ago in their own home after they saw a need for free hot meals across Borehamwood.

When they first started, only two people would attend. Now the weekly free hot meal appeals to more than 70 people.

Mr Carlisle said: “Our reasons for starting was for people to remember what they have in their own lives and to see the gratitude in other people. It’s a real community thing.

“By what we are doing, we can make people feel grateful in both their attitude and gratitude.

“We call it community cooking and sharing. There is a real sense of community around cooking.

“We get people saying how much they are looking forward to it. It’s about coming together and sharing together.”

The couple used to be part of Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple, in Aldenham, who offer this kind of service on a regular basis.

According to Mr Carlisle, they decided to branch away from the Temple and to start up their own scheme across the town.

Now, the couple are hoping to offer their service around Hertfordshire.

Mrs Carlisle is responsible for driving around Borehamwood collecting fruit and vegetables from greengrocers and supermarkets.

Occasionally, Mrs Carlisle will go out with an empty car and will come back with a car full of food that would be thrown away.

Shops and stores give donations to the organisation for free as many supermarkets throw thousands of tonnes of food away that has nothing wrong with it, according to Mrs Carlisle.

In 2013, Mrs Carlisle was recognised for her efforts by the housing association Affinity Sutton and won the ‘Make a Difference’ category.

When she won the award, Mrs Carlisle told the Borehamwood Times: “Many people receive food from the foodbank such as tins and pasta, but they cannot afford the electricity to cook it.

“I want somewhere where these families can come and we can cook together and ensure they are able to eat a healthy meal.”

Mrs Carlisle also spends her time offering cookery classes to disabled people across the town and has recently been working with Mencap.

Unlike the Borehamwood Food Bank, Gratitude offers the hot meal service to all people from different backgrounds.

Whether or not you have the money to be able to afford food, Gratitude opens its doors for anyone who wants to get involved in a community initiative.

The couple start cooking at 11am every Wednesday at St Teresa’s Hall, in Borehamwood, and the hot meal is given out at around 1pm.