Bundles of food for new Brighton parents

But a group of neighbours in Loder Road, Brighton, have come up with a solution to late night supermarket trips and take-away food for tired mums and dads.

They make hot, home-cooked meals and deliver it to their doors as part of a ‘Bundles of Joy’ scheme - and the best part if that it’s FREE.

It was introduced by Dr Ricardo Sabates who was involved with a ‘Bundles of Joy’ scheme at Holland Road Baptist Church in Holland Road, Hove.

The Loder Road scheme started about four years ago and has helped out following the births of six babies.

Dr Sabates said: “I was taking meals all the way across Brighton to people and I thought it would be better to introduce it in my own street. We spoke to a neighbour and asked her if she would like people in the street to deliver a meal and she accepted.

“We have another neighbour due in August who said she will be happy to be involved.

“There are seven neighbours involved in cooking, or we can buy something nice for them to put into the oven. There is a Spanish lady involved. There’s been lots of delicious food, lasagne, shepherd’s pie and fish pie.

“They just let us know beforehand anything they don’t like and what time they want the food delivered.”

He said people sometimes feel uncomfortable receiving the food gifts but they get plenty of chance to repay the favour.

Dr Sabates, who will celebrate his son Asher’s second birthday with his wife Rachel Sabates-Wheeler in October, added: “The experience really bonds you with your neighbours.”

One neighbour Enzo Stingone got to experience his neighbours’ home cooking when his wife Julie gave birth to Cameron 14 months ago.

The couple also have a four-year-old, Luca, who was born before the “bundles” scheme was introduced.

He said: “It’s fantastic. It’s one less thing to be concerned about. It’s a nice thought for people to engage with their neighbours.”

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