Have you committed to a New Year Resolution in 2022?
Ealing Independent College has.
Just before the Christmas holidays, we wanted to find an innovative way to support local businesses around Ealing, whilst also trying to form friendly links between our College and its surroundings.
The idea came from the fact that our students are allowed to go out at lunch time and buy their lunch, snacks or drinks on the broadway. Thus, why not encourage our students to purchase their food in some of the numerous small shops of our neighbourhood?
We asked several local shops and restaurants whether they would be happy to have the College students and staff as regular customers, in return for an EIC exclusive discount. The discount would be an extra incentive for our pupils to pick those shops over big food chains.
Three local shops accepted to collaborate with EIC, and since last week, our students are able to get a 10% off the lunch menu at Two Buns, 10% discount at Açai Garden, and 20% at Cafe Zee. All three shops are all on the broadway, and only a short walk away from the College.
More recently we had a late addition: the Falafel Van based in front of Pret a manger has also agreed to join in with a 10% discount to EIC students and staff.
We are exceptionally proud of the partnerships we have created, as in doing so we also help support and celebrate local businesses.
On Wednesday last week, during assembly, all the students of EIC were handed a personal ID card that they will show when purchasing food at Two Buns, Açai Garden, Cafe Zee, and the Falafel Van to get their discount. The assembly was also the perfect opportunity to reflect on the reasons why we should be proud of helping keep small businesses alive, especially after such a hard couple of years.
We want to celebrate the personality and individuality of Ealing Broadway, we want to appreciate the personal touch we often get in local shops, we want to help keep jobs safe in the local area, and help the Community thrive.
This, obviously, is not to say that we would boycott all the big franchise food companies or fast food restaurant chains of the Broadway, as even staff members still often enjoy a quick coffee at Cafe Nero or a salad from Pret! However, we want our students to be mindful of their choices and aware of the advantages of purchasing locally.
So far, our New Year Resolution seems to be on track. EIC students and staff are often seen enjoying a burger, a croissant or a healthy smoothie in one of the three shops that are acting as “preferred partners”.
Are we going to keep it up for the whole of 2022?
We definitely hope so.