Oliver cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for Borehamwood based food charity Gratitude’s new base of operations. 

Founded in 2013, Gratitude takes in unsellable food and redistributes it to the community, with the aim of reducing food waste and alleviating poverty. The charity currently serves over 2000 people per week with an average of £90,000 worth of groceries per month. 

Oliver helped Gratitude to secure a permanent home at the Old Library Building in Borehamwood last year where they can run their growing operation. 

Mr Dowden said: 'I was honoured to visit the Gratitude food charity again to celebrate the opening of their new base at the Old Library Building. 

I know how vital Gratitude’s work is for the community here in Borehamwood, which is why I was so keen to ensure the charity could find a more suitable home and why I helped them to do so last year. 

Gratitude provides a vital role in supporting those who are most in need in the community, including recently taking part in the Afghan refugees’ appeal. 

I look forward to seeing the charity thrive at their new base and I will continue to provide my support wherever I can.'

The charity said: 

'This has been a wonderful occasion that we have had the chance to open our Gratitude centre.  

Oliver Dowden was the obvious choice for the dignitary to cut the ribbon, due to his steadfast support for Gratitude.  

From peeling vegetables with us in the early days to lobbying to get us this facility, Oliver has been with us throughout the 8 years of this journey.'