We’re pleased to share an exciting update on the Community Meals Partnership with the Food Justice Network, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Stoford, a leading UK property developer.
Launching earlier this year, the Community Meals Partnership aims to strengthen communities in Birmingham through shared meals, breaking down social barriers and supporting mental health. Tackling food insecurity requires a collaborative effort. This partnership offers local businesses the opportunity to contribute by sponsoring meals, helping to build connections and resilience among residents.
Through their sponsorship, Stoford has donated three tonnes of food to help tackle food insecurity across Birmingham. This donation also includes sponsoring several community meals throughout the year, aimed at uniting people and strengthening community ties. To ensure there is no waste, the remaining produce from Stoford’s contribution is distributed among the 250+ Food Justice Network projects in a bid to continue to support those facing food insecurity across the city.
The first of these community meals took place earlier this month at the All Saints Church in Small Heath, where up to 50 community members came together for a healthy and warm sit-down meal. An attendee said:
“It’s really great having something like this because it brings locals together, and what better way to bring everyone together than with food. It’s also been lovely to see the diversity of people here which reflects the community. I think it’s a great idea for getting everyone together and there’s a real opportunity for community cohesion, for people to mix together and socialise.
Looking ahead, the next community meals sponsored by Stoford are scheduled for September and December, with more details to be released later this year.
Reflecting on the partnership, Matthew Burgin, Joint Managing Director at Stoford, said: “We are really pleased to be able to sponsor a great cause with the launch of the Community Meals Partnership, where we are helping to provide the first tonne of fresh food donations which will cover the months of July, September and December for this year.”
Adding to this, Vicky Hemming, Food & Justice Business Development Lead at The Active Wellbeing Society, commented: “Great things can happen when people sit down to eat together. Sharing meals can break down barriers, introduce people to new experiences, overcome loneliness and even support mental health. A community that eats together can become better connected and stronger, and we want to play a part in that.
“A basic sponsorship of a Community Meal costs £1,500. This is enough for us to pay for one tonne of fresh fruit and vegetables, feeding up to 2000 people, plus the time of our team of trained kitchen staff to help you successfully deliver your Community Meal event. Sponsorship of £2,500 buys one tonne of store cupboard food, such as canned or dried food. We invite more businesses to join this vital initiative. Together, we can expand our impact and create lasting change in our communities.”
For more information on how to sponsor future Community Meals events, contact Vicky Hemming at [email protected].
