Funding available for organisations tackling food poverty

Local charities and community organisations across the UK working to help fight hunger and tackle the challenges caused by coronavirus are now set to receive a slice of a £1.5M* funding boost raised through sales of Co-op’s summer picnic range.

The money will be distributed through our network of community foundations who all an expert understanding of need at a local level. Information about how to apply for funding can be found here.

Foodbanks, volunteer centres, food delivery services, programmes that tackle food waste, and many more are among local organisations set to receive a much-needed cash boost to help them continue their vital work during this unprecedented time.

The retailer pledged to donate 20p from sales of its three-for-two picnic offer to the National Emergency Trust (NET) in order to fund local organisations across the country. The emergency funding will be distributed by 46 community foundations across the UK, who will award grants to local organisations of typically between £2,000 – £10,000.

Rosemary Macdonald, CEO at UK Community Foundations, said: “Pre-existing food poverty has really been compounded by the pandemic and we’ve seen huge demand for the services of local charities and community organisations that can provide relief to people struggling to access food. As we enter the winter months this situation will get worse for many. Using the expert local knowledge of our network of community foundations we will ensure that the money raised by our partners will go the local organisations best placed to support the people and communities affected by food poverty.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value and the Co-op, said: “It’s heart-breaking to think of families and children in the UK going hungry and facing acute challenges during this unprecedented time. The need faced by many families is far more serious now than it was in the summer and we are determined to do everything we can to support those who are most vulnerable. By partnering with NET and UK Community Foundations this funding can quickly go to work. Focusing on what really matters in local communities and providing direct support to those who most need it to make a difference to their health and wellbeing.”

Mhairi Sharp, interim CEO at National Emergencies Trust, commented: “With the pandemic continuing to pose significant challenges to families and individuals across the UK, we’re delighted that an impressive £1.5million has been raised and will be distributed across grassroots organisations during the winter months. The National Emergencies Trust was set up to collaborate with charities, corporates and the public to raise and distribute money as efficiently as possible and our partnership with Co-op and the UK Community Foundations reflects what can be achieved by a truly collaborative effort.”