The season of giving: You Give, We Give
Christmas reminds us to turn our attention to others, not just loved ones, but those who are in need. This year, more than ever, it’s vital we support food banks and charities that help fight food poverty and support the vulnerable. Thanks to all customers who have donated to our You Give, We Give scheme. This year we’ve been able to raise over £8 million and give even more support. These donations make a huge difference to people across the nation and it wouldn’t be possible without you.
Here’s how two of our charity partners are preparing for Christmas, and how they’re planning to help communities, families and children over this period.
Community Shop
To prepare for the busy Christmas season, Community Shop will source healthy food stock donations, so no child goes hungry. They’ll also source seasonal stock so they can make the few days over Christmas feel special for their communities. They will identify people who need particular support, including those facing social isolation, and run virtual events to create a caring community that children, families and those living alone can feel a part of.
During Christmas, Community Shop will adapt their store model to offer a delivery service of Christmas products and meals for those unable to visit them. They’ll support families in highly deprived areas by providing access to free food parcels and run virtual Christmas cook clubs, health workshops and fitness classes. They will also expand their online support with a mental health awareness course to support people struggling with loneliness.
The Felix Project
The Felix Project is London’s leading food redistribution charity. They rescue surplus food, including fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish, which is still in date and safe to eat. In preparation for Christmas, they’ll collect surplus food and deliver to charities and schools that provide meals to the most vulnerable.
Christmas generates a huge amount of food waste. Typically 2 million turkeys, 5 million Christmas puddings and 74 million mince pies are wasted, causing almost 270,000 tons of food waste. The Felix Project is on a mission to correct this and rescue enough food for 20 million meals by the end of the year. The Felix Project will distribute these meals to the most vulnerable, including 7 million meals to help children and families, 6.4 million meals to the homeless and 6.6 million meals for other vulnerable groups such as the elderly, key workers, refugees and domestic abuse survivors.
Your generous donations go such a long way at a difficult time. Donate to You Give, We Give here.