US Chesed and Gift joined forces on Sunday to collect food for families in need. Stationed outside Waitrose in Temple Fortune, Tesco stores in Hendon, Golders Green and Edgware, B Kosher in Hendon, Kosher Kingdom in Golders Green and Mendy's in Edgware, the volunteers collected essentials donated by shoppers.

In addition, 20 United Synagogue communities arranged food collections at their premises, allowing members to contribute.

Gift currently supports almost 2,000 people on a weekly basis. Its director, Michelle Barnett, said: "Gift is all about educating and empowering the community to volunteer." Some of the food went to hostels for the homeless.