Henry's generous food donations

9-year-old Henry’s collected food for One Can Trust Food Bank for the past two years, after worrying people would go without food in the pandemic.

Henry set up a 'drop off point' outside his house and asked people to donate when they passed by on their daily walks. He talked about the project with his school, Beavers, and Cubs, and neighbours. He made social media posts to spread the word and encouraged people to become 'Street Heroes.'

He’s appeared on ITV and Sky television, who called him ‘an inspiration.’ At Christmas, he asked Santa to make sure everyone had food, and he’s designing a badge to sell to help everyone who relies on One Can Trust.

We chatted with Henry to find out more.

Why did you choose to help One Can Trust?

I decided to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. I used to put cans in the food bank baskets at the supermarket, but when lockdown started, I was worried there wouldn’t be many donations and people would go hungry.

What did you do to collect the food?

I put a box outside my house and asked my village if they could drop food off when they passed by on their daily walks. My box was overflowing with cans! My parents then take the food to the warehouse to be sorted.

When I asked for help on social media, that encouraged others to do the same where they lived. Soon, there were over 100 people doing it. They called us ‘Street Heroes.’ 

What does it mean to be a Street Hero?

A Street Hero is someone who collects food at their house and brings it to the warehouse so it can be sorted and given to people who need it. 

Did you ever want to give up and what made you keep going?

No, I never wanted to give up. I know how many people it’s helping, and the numbers keep going up, so I know I can’t stop. When I was a Beaver, I made a promise to help others and that’s what I’m doing.

I’ve also loved getting special certificates, and meeting Bear Grylls was amazing. I can’t believe he chose me as one of his Unsung Heroes. 

Did your Scouts group support you and how?

Yes. We’ve had collections and I’ve done a presentation with One Can Trust. I’ve also been awarded badges, which I love to get. 

Is there anything else you’d like to do next?

I want to keep collecting food donations and making sure no one is hungry. I’d like to help sort food in the warehouse, too. I’d also like to design a badge, so other Scouts can learn about food banks and how to donate to them. 

Henry, you’ve been brilliant. Well done for being a true hero and helping those who need it. We can’t wait to see what you get up to next!