MORE than 250 people across Bethnal Green are benefiting from ongoing foodbank donations each month made by their local Specsavers.
Since December 2025, Specsavers Bethnal Green store partners, Neeraj Tripathi and Mahul Patel, have been donating 50 bags of rice each month to the Good Shepherd Mission community foodbank, helping support families facing financial hardship during the cost-of-living crisis.
The idea came after the pair noticed long queues forming outside the local foodbank and wanted to find a practical way to support the people in their community.
Being part of the community for over four years, retail director, Neeraj says: ‘We really wanted to make a difference, so we decided to donate rice which is a staple in the community’s diet. Our commitment to continue to offer support has been compelling, especially when we understand that our donations are helping around 250 people each month.’
The Good Shepherd Mission provides food parcel donations to those most in need across the community. The Mission which has a Christian faith focus provides support to people of all backgrounds who are struggling with increasing food bills.
Sally Dixon, Good Shepherd Mission Treasurer says: ‘The monthly donations we receive from Specsavers Bethnal Green are invaluable as they are helping to support over 50 families in the community.
‘As a charity we rely on donations to help those vulnerable people who are struggling. We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people visiting us each week, so we really value all donations as they help us to continue to provide individuals and families with key essentials.’
Recent findings released by The Trussell Trust1 reveal that emergency food provision has risen by over 45% compared to 2019. Across the UK, the charity distributed over 2.6 million emergency food parcels during 2025, with over 900,000 parcels being distributed to children.
If you would like to support The Good Shepherd Mission charity donations, then do leave a review following your store visit for a sight or hearing test, contact lens or glasses fitting or anything else.
To book in for a sight test or hearing check you can call the team at Specsavers Bethnal Green on 020 7324 7520, or you can book an appointment online https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/bethnalgreen
