A woman from Huntingdon is marking three years since she came up with a “crazy idea” that has flourished into an award-winning organisation.  

Lianne Simpson, owner of Diamond Hampers, says the past three years have been a “rollercoaster” for her, but one she will continue for as long as possible. 

Her business, which has two stores in the town – The Pantry and The Attic - provides food aid to vulnerable families and individuals across Cambridgeshire by supplying food hampers filled with enough to provide meals for a whole week. 

“I originally organised and ran the business from my own home before recruiting and training a team of volunteers; I worked from my dining room and garage initially!,” she said. 

Over the course of the three years, Lianne and her team have delivered over 400,000 meals to members of the community. 

During Christmas 2022 they smashed their personal records providing more than 500 presents, 240 Christmas dinner hampers and around 1,600 meals. 

The Hunts Post: Lianne Simpson (L) is marking three years of Diamond Hampers. She's pictured with the store's assistant manager, Lucy (R).Lianne Simpson (L) is marking three years of Diamond Hampers. She's pictured with the store's assistant manager, Lucy (R). (Image: Newsquest)

Talking about one of her stores, The Pantry, Lianne said: “I developed the idea to provide opportunities for everyone to shop affordably and have access to a wide range of fruits and vegetables, amongst many other things.

“The Pantry has proven to be a huge success and has seen a reduction in the need for food aid locally.” 

From food waste alone, Diamond Hampers has been able to produce over 500,000 meals which is equivalent to over £600,000 worth of food. 

“Our idea of emergency food provision was always to move people forward into a wider network of support in specific areas,” said Lianne. 

“We are mindful of the confidence gap between intending to make contact and the ability to do so for people feeling vulnerable, so we will instead make that referral with and for beneficiaries. I do this each day, seven days a week. 

“Longer term solutions and dignity and independence are really at the heart of what we want to achieve here, and we will continue to do so long into the future.” 

With Diamond Hampers’ fruit and veg being redirected waste, the team helps to save around 25 tonnes every month, helping to reduce unnecessary waste rotting in landfill and lower the district’s carbon footprint. 

Diamond Hampers’ newest store, The Attic – Affordable Living (which has now been open for a year), provides even more opportunities for people to shop both affordably and independently. 

As well as marking the three-year milestone of Diamond Hampers, Lianne and her team have celebrated success throughout after winning five awards last year (2022) alone. 

“We won two awards at the Regional Business Awards, another two at The National Business Awards and I was also honored with The High Sherriff Award back in March,” said Lianne. 

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a three years but one I will continue for as long as possible, helping to make positive changes for people, saving waste to support the planet and implementing ways for people to live both independently and affordably.”