A food bank charity established by a Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue member has raised £1.1 million in 36 hours.

Promoted in 30 schools, Food Bank Aid’s “Don’t Turn Your Back” campaign attracted 5,500 donations, which were matched by key supporters.

All the money will be spent on food and other goods for food banks, some going towards extra essentials for pupils during the school holidays.

Naomi Russell founded the charity at the start of the pandemic, operating from her garage.

She told the JC that “with food and fuel costs rising at such a fast rate, the pressure on charities like ours is ever-growing.

“Our campaign raised an incredible £1.1 million to help ease the impact on so many people in desperate need. But without the generous support of our local communities, we would struggle.”

The campaign also served to raise awareness of the charity, which has distributed £3.5 million worth of goods since its inception to a network of food banks and spends around £100,000 on food each month.

It has 250 volunteers in a variety of roles and works with over 80 schools, educating children about food poverty and what they can do to help.