And support people suffering from food poverty this Christmas
Sainsbury's in Garrett Lane took part in a unique one day food collection on Saturday 26th November, where customers were asked to buy an extra item, which was then delivered to local charities and community projects by the charity FareShare this Christmas.
The special one day food drive involving over 600
Sainsbury’s stores is being run in partnership with FareShare, the national food charity that addresses hunger in the UK by redistributing quality surplus food from the food industry to people who need it across the country. Sainsbury’s has been working with FareShare since 1994 but this is the first time customers from all across the country are being asked to actively take part.
Sainsbury’s Wandsworth participation comes after a successful trial in July involving 19 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. 25.5 tonnes of food was collected from the three day trial contributing enough food to feed 60,000 people.
Following the success of the trial, Sainsbury’s is now aiming to collect enough food to make one million meals through the 700 local charities which receive food from FareShare on a daily basis.
Sainsbury’s Retail and Logistics Director, Roger Burnley, said: “The food we donate to FareShare tends to be fresh produce as this has the shortest shelf life. However, to make a nutritious meal, you need more than just fresh food, which is why we would like to give customers the opportunity to donate food during this special day and help make a difference to causes across the UK.”
Lindsay Boswell, FareShare Chief Executive, said: “Sainsbury’s has been involved with FareShare since the beginning, working with us to ensure that good food isn’t wasted. If food cannot be sold, but can be eaten, it should always go to people first.
Hundreds of hostels, shelters and schools benefit from the work FareShare carries out across the country, including, in London, St Cuthbert’s, that runs an open-door drop-in centre to provide a safe, welcoming environment for vulnerable people in the area.
Steve Milton, St Cuthbert’s Centre Manager, said: “FareShare is essential, St Cuthbert’s couldn’t survive without it. Clients would not eat regularly without St Cuthbert’s. If they don’t come here they may not get a meal that week. FareShare helps us to give a much better and varied menu.”
November 29, 2011