A Commitment to Nourishing Communities
apetito, a leading meals provider in the healthcare, education, and social care sectors, along with its retail division, Wiltshire Farm Foods, has announced a remarkable initiative named ‘Shift for the Hungry’. This programme will see the donation of 20,000 meals to two impactful charities, FareShare and City Harvest London. Both organisations are dedicated to addressing food insecurity and ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.
Addressing Food Waste and Insecurity
FareShare and City Harvest London are at the forefront of combating food waste while providing essential support to communities. By redistributing surplus food from various sectors, they connect surplus food with frontline charities, homelessness shelters, and community groups, ensuring that those facing food poverty receive the nourishment they need. This collaboration aims to create a significant positive impact on vulnerable populations throughout the UK.
Collaborative Efforts at apetito
The substantial meal donation was facilitated by a focused production shift at apetito’s kitchens in Wiltshire. Employees from various departments came together to volunteer their time and skills, preparing, cooking, and packaging a range of popular dishes, including hearty Cottage Pie and comforting Macaroni Cheese. This initiative reflects apetito’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
Generosity from Supply Partners
Support from key supply partners further enabled this initiative. ABP contributed over 800 kg of premium beef for the Cottage Pie, while Wyke Farms provided 160 kg of their renowned mature cheddar cheese. Additionally, Faerch, apetito’s packaging partner, generously supplied 20,000 meal trays at no cost. Other contributions included 47 kg of Roast Beef Bouillon from Jardox and custom-designed labels printed by Integrity Print, all aimed at enhancing the meal donation.
Impact on Local Communities
Both FareShare and City Harvest London rely on donations like this to sustain their vital work.
Paul Freeston, CEO and Chair of apetito, stated, “At apetito, our mission to ‘make a real difference’ is deeply embedded in our company culture. Each member of our team embodies this ethos. We take pride in crafting quality meals, and it is an honour to support FareShare and City Harvest London in their extraordinary efforts to combat hunger and food poverty. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and generous suppliers for their collaboration in this initiative.”
Chris Morling, Head of Food Alliance at FareShare, expressed appreciation for apetito’s support: “We are incredibly grateful to apetito for their substantial donation of nearly 20,000 frozen meals. This contribution will profoundly affect individuals facing food insecurity across the UK. By providing nutritious options, apetito plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable communities and the charities working tirelessly on their behalf.”
Sarah Calcutt, CEO of City Harvest London, emphasised the importance of nutrition: “City Harvest and apetito are united in our mission to deliver nourishing food to those in need. Nutrition is fundamental for both physical and mental well-being, and we are thankful to apetito for this significant donation, which will foster health and hope for many.”
Continuing the Legacy of Giving
apetito, along with Wiltshire Farm Foods, which serves a vast customer base, has been recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development this year, marking a notable achievement in its ongoing commitment to societal values and sustainability. This dedication to community support reinforces apetito’s role as a responsible business leader.