HSBC Bermuda is doing its bit to tackle food insecurity in Bermuda.

Last month, the bank launched its third term helping the Eliza DoLittle Society with their community feeding programme.

Since the programme’s inception in 2016, HSBC employees have helped to distribute over 16,000 meals to the community and volunteered an estimated 2,000 hours in support of this initiative.

From now until May, an estimated 500 staff members, organised into 50 teams will volunteer between 9am and 12pm, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week, helping to cook and serve hot meals from St John’s Church Hall and The Anglican Cathedral and also distribute grocery items from The Eliza Dolittle’s Food Bank to members of the community.

“Our HSBC teams remain committed to this important initiative as we enter our third year of partnership,” said Clesia Pachai, community investment manager, HSBC Bermuda. “Together and through the feeding programme, HSBC colleagues have learnt first-hand of the hardships our community continues to face on a daily basis.

“Supported by the bank’s leadership, our teams of employees have been able to further connect with our community and make a positive difference. The increased demand on The Eliza DoLittle Society charity from the public year on year, is a clear indicator of the work that still needs to be done to address and eradicate food insecurities in Bermuda. HSBC will continue to work with our third sector partners and stakeholders in 2019 to address this and many other important social issues which continue to impact our community’s societal health.”

Eliza DoLittle Society executive director Jennifer Mahoney said: ”Compassion, dedication, and empathy are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of the HSBC team. The staff have exhibited their genuine desire to make a tangible difference outside of the structured programme by organising in-house fundraisers such as bake sales and grilled cheese days. They have brought additional ingredients to cook-offs to make the recipes extra special, decorated the hall for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and sung Happy Birthday to clients on their special day.

“It is acts such as these that make it such a pleasure to work alongside the HSBC team. They continue to surprise and amaze me each year. The Eliza DoLittle Society and our clients are extremely thankful for the support and partnership that they have provided and the positive impact they continue to have on our community.”

Breakfast is available to the community at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 11am.

• For a list of the various feeding centres, contact the TEDS office at 333-4483 or e-mail teds.director@gmail.com