Local Business Leaders Come Together to Combat Food Waste and Support Communities
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, members of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce recently gathered at FareShare Midlands’ Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub for a unique volunteering event. The initiative is part of the Chamber’s Brumbassadors programme, which seeks to highlight and amplify positive contributions across Birmingham’s business landscape.
Making a Difference Through Volunteering
During this special event, Chamber members traded their typical boardroom engagements for aprons and warehouse gloves. Together, they dedicated two hours to preparing meals in the training kitchen and sorting food in the warehouse, all while witnessing the crucial work done by FareShare Midlands, the region’s largest food redistribution charity.
Every week, FareShare Midlands redistributes good-to-eat surplus food to approximately 650 charities and community groups, ensuring that around 60,000 individuals receive meals. This not only addresses food insecurity but also helps create pathways into employment through training and volunteering opportunities.
A Platform for Community Engagement
Among the volunteers, Ros Wilson, a business development manager at Edgbaston Stadium, expressed her enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “This was my third time volunteering for FareShare. I enjoy the sense of giving back and doing something useful that is going to benefit other people.”
Sarah Millington, account director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of community involvement for local businesses. “It’s been a brilliant opportunity to work with fellow Chamber members and give back to the community,” she noted.
Strengthening Corporate Partnerships
The Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub, which opened in December with a generous £2 million donation from The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust, has significantly enhanced FareShare Midlands' ability to serve the region. Simone Connolly, the CEO of FareShare Midlands, emphasized the event's value in forging deeper connections between the charity and the corporate sector.
“The event gave business leaders a powerful insight into how surplus food can be transformed into meals, training opportunities, and community support across the Midlands,” she stated. It also serves as a reminder of the substantial role that businesses can play in tackling food waste collaboratively.
Opportunities for Corporate Engagement
FareShare Midlands is now encouraging more businesses from the region to join their efforts. By partnering with the charity, companies can contribute to food redistribution, create volunteering opportunities for their teams, and support skill development initiatives for local communities.
Through collaborative efforts, businesses can significantly amplify their impact, transforming surplus food into invaluable community support. Those interested in partnering with FareShare Midlands can reach out to Corporate Partnerships Manager Pauline Clarke for more information.
