The funding was made via the Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust, and the facility is being operated by FareShare Midlands as it aims to redistribute seven million meals across the West Midlands annually using 3,000 tonnes of surplus food from across the food industry – from farms to producers to retailers.
It has been launched in response to King’s call to businesses to step up and help stop 10 billion meals worth of edible food being wasted annually in the UK.
FareShare Midlands currently redistributes surplus food to 650 charities, community groups and schools across the region, helping to feed around 60,000 people weekly.
Through the national FareShare network - which spans from Aberdeen to Cornwall - over 60,000 tonnes of surplus food is donated by the food industry, helping to create over 100 million meals every year – all with food that otherwise would go to waste.
The new food hub, funded by Sir Peter, will double charitable food redistribution capacity in the West Midlands - meaning that seven million meals will be distributed annually using surplus food provided by some of the UK’s leading supermarkets.
Beyond food, it will also enable local people to access training in warehousing, catering and technology, supporting 500 people annually into sustainable employment.
Mallory Court Hotel and Spa’s executive head chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Stu Deeley, was also on hand at the launch of the food hub to serve handcrafted meals made using produce donated to FareShare Midlands.
Stu was supported by some of Halesowen College’s level 3 professional cookery students, thanks to support from the college’s chef lecturer, Chris Hughes.
Sir Peter Rigby said: “I have always believed that success in business should go hand in hand with giving back. I came from a humble background, and I am very aware that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a good start in life.
“Never before has it been as tough to feed families as it is now due to the cost-of-living crisis. I am honoured to be part of the King’s fantastic initiative that will directly support my local community and reduce food poverty across the region.”
Stu Deeley added: “Healthy, nutritious meals don’t have to cost the earth or lots of time, and this new hub has a crucial role to play in not only providing access to food, but educating the community on how to create low cost, high nutrition meals – and this is something I am looking forward to supporting them on in the future.”
Simone Connolly, FareShare Midlands CEO, commented: “The Coronation Food Hub represents a powerful step forward in tackling food poverty and unemployment.
“This cutting edge facility will not only enable FareShare Midlands to redistribute substantially more surplus food to those who need it most, but also to help break the cycle of poverty through training and employment opportunities for local people.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sir Peter Rigby and his Charitable Trust for the generous support and commitment to creating lasting change.”
