Feed the Hungry UK is based at the Halo Centre in Binley and many in the region know it for its work as Coventry Foodbank, which provides thousands of food parcels each year to local people.
But, like many SMEs, the charity has had to diversify and modernise to ensure it keeps up with the times and is able to support more people during the cost-of-living crisis.
As well as food banks, it supports community pantries in the region where people can choose a range of items for just a small contribution.
It’s also going beyond the provision of food and supports everything from loo roll to toiletries.
On top of that, it has created an AI system that links other charities and service providers together in the city to make sure a wide range of support is offered to those people who need it. That can include anything from mental health services to employability.
Globally, the charity is involved in projects in Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nepal, Romania, Zambia and Zimbabwe that provides food but also supports schooling, access to clean water and wider community initiatives. It allows people to become more self-sustained and reduces reliance on food hand-outs.
Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the Halo Centre and was blown away by the amount they do on a local and global stage.
She said: “It is incredible to see how much amazing work is taking place from this location in Binley. They are changing people’s lives in the city and, indeed, around the world through compassion and entrepreneurialism – it’s very moving to see what a dramatic impact they are having!
“I saw hundreds of food parcels ready to be delivered in Coventry, and I also picked up a box that weighed just a few kilograms but could feed a child in Africa for a whole school year! Those boxes are filled with pre-prepared meals that have been packed right here in our city.
“They also showed me how, in partnership with major sports and clothing brands and in collaboration with GAiN (Global Aid International Network), items originally destined for waste are being recovered and redirected to countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine, providing essential clothing to those who need it most.
“It was absolutely remarkable and what they really need is more support from businesses.
“That kind of work can only happen through partnership and it’s only through collaboration between corporate and charity sectors that we can bring about a lasting legacy.”
Companies are asked to ‘journey’ with the organisation rather than simply donate and that can mean working with Feed the Hungry as part of their wider CSR and ESG programmes.
Corporates can donate excess stock, hold away days and support with packing food parcels. There’s even a professional kitchen for hire!
And the organisation is now accredited by the UN Compact Network UK, which seeks to promote responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization.
Gavin Kibble MBE, CEO of Feed the Hungry UK, said: “Of course, any donations are welcome because times are tight and we need all of the support we can get.
“But we really want to partner with corporates. We’d say, come and see the work we’re doing and how we’re changing lives and then journey with us. Don’t make CSR and ESG a tickbox exercise, really make a difference for people who need it.”
For more information or to get involved, go to https://feedthehungry.org.uk/
