Category Archives: Food & Drink

Food & Drink, News, Travel

Soreen launch new on-pack promotion with Forest Holidays

£60 off with every pack and the chance to win a FREE Forest Holidays break.

The UK’s original malt loaf brand, Soreen has today announced a new partnership with B-corp holiday provider, Forest Holidays, to bring even more treats to their consumers with their latest on pack promotion.

Find a Soreen Gold Lunchbox Loaf – ten to be sought out across the UK – to win a Forest Holidays break for the family, from a choice of 12 forest locations, inclusive of a Forest Ranger Experience (experts in bringing the fun to the great outdoors) and bike hire.

There’s something for everyone this summer too as every purchaser of Soreen’s Lunchbox Loaves 5 pack in the flavour of their choosing – Malt, Banana, Apple, or strawberry – will also receive £60 off a UK Forest Holidays break.

Liz Jacobs, Marketing Director at Soreen said: “Soreen has always been a firm family favourite, offering tasty products with great nutritional value for the whole family, but we’re also associated with adventure and activity, championing healthy living and wellness in general.

“We have always encouraged and championed feel good nutrition, ensuring we launch healthier cake options.”

“Forest Holidays is a fabulous partnership for us, given that the brand is synonymous with people, sustainability and wellbeing, which are also aligned to our consumer values. We hope this offer, which is available throughout the summer will help families to enjoy the great outdoors in some wonderful locations across the UK without the requirement for a passport or extensive travel.”

With the cost-of-living crisis and passport prices increasing, it’s expected that less families will go abroad this year in order to try and save money. Forest Holidays provide an escape in the UK that’s just a car ride away.

Featured on four of Soreen’s best-selling products (Soreen Lunchbox Loaves), the promotion will run for a four-month period, from the 1st May up until August.

Liz added: “Our products are unique in the sense that they provide a treat-like taste that’s popular with children and adults alike but with much lower sugar and fat than the average cake bar, as well as providing a squidgy energy boost, making Soreen the ideal snack to accompany a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

Gemma Chance, Head of Brand Purpose and Guest Experience at Forest Holidays said: “Our holidays are all about doing good and feeling good and this year we’re on a mission to get even more people into the UK’s forests. We’re excited to be partnering with Soreen, who share our love of adventure in the great outdoors and understand the far-reaching benefits nature brings.

“Our partnership means even more people can discover our holidays and enjoy a wellbeing boost this summer.”

 

For full details of the promotion and how new Soreen purchasers and regular fans can be in with a chance to win, visit: SoreenForestHolidays.co.uk

 

Food & Drink

Three Shrewsbury chefs to cook for Wales at Sharjah culinary contest

Three Shrewsbury chefs, including brothers Calum and Connor Smith, have been selected to cook for Wales in a prestigious international culinary competition in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

 

Calum, 23, sous chefs at Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury, will captain the team and Connor, 19, commis chef at the Lion and Pheasant, Shrewsbury, will make his international debut for Wales.

 

Jordan Howorth, 25, who works with Calum as a sous chef at Shrewsbury School and Dylan Evans, 21, commis chef at L’Enclume, Cartmel, will also be making their debut for Wales. Originally from Welshpool, Jordan now lives in Baschurch.

 

The Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) has been invited to compete against eight other countries in the Alen Thong Golden Coffee Pot Young Chef Challenge at The International Emirates Salon Culinaire, during Expoculinaire 2024 Sharjah from May 20-22.

 

Also flying the flag for Wales will be sous chef Harry Paynter-Roberts, 26, and head chef Sion Hughes, 26, from Carden Park Hotek and Spa, near Chester.

 

Calum captained the Junior Culinary Team Wales, which included Harry and Sion, to silver and bronze medals at the Culinary World Cup in 2022.

 

Sion will have Calum as his commis when they compete in the Global Chefs Challenge final in Singapore in October.

 

“To have the opportunity to represent Wales is a privilege and an honour,” said Calum. “This competition will be extra special with having by younger brother, Connor and one of my closest pals and work colleagues, Jordan, in the team.

 

“Making their international debut is going to be nerve-racking for them but they need to cherish and enjoy the competition because it’s a fantastic moment in their careers.

 

“Practices at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport have gone really well and we are all working in harmony, like we have worked together for years. Everyone is looking forward to a potential podium finish in Dubai, if we deliver what we have all worked incredibly hard on

 

“I can’t thank both Culinary Association of Wales president Arwyn Watkins, OBE and vice-president Colin Gray enough for all the support and guidance they have given the team and we hope we can repay their hard work with a positive result in Dubai.”

 

The Alen Thong Golden Coffee Pot Young Chef Challenge aims to become the most notable gastronomic contest anywhere in the Middle East for young chefs under the age of 28 years.

 

Three teams compete daily, creating an internationally themed edible cold salad, appetiser, dessert buffet and hot main course for 20 diners. Teams can cook a main course of their choice and Wales have chosen chicken.

 

Each team will make a gateau, three modern desserts and a hot dessert, which will be prepared with diners and judges watching.

 

Nine Worldchefs judges, including Colin Gray, managing director of Capital Cuisine, Caerphilly, will judge the competition.

 

The last time Welsh chefs competed in this competition as a senior team in 2013, they came away with a gold medal.

 

CAW sponsors are the Welsh Government, Castell Howell, Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales, ICC Wales, Cambrian Training Company, Radnor Hills, Dick Knifes, Cygnet Gin, Capital Cuisine.

Cheshire, Chester, Food & Drink, Hospitality, News, Regional Food & Drink News

Hydes Reopens Popular Chester Pub Following Investment in Refurbishment

Hydes Brewery has relaunched popular Chester pub The Mount Inn in Boughton, with a new look following a full exterior and interior refurbishment.

Timed to be completed in time for the forthcoming summer of sport including the Euros and the Paris Olympics, the refurbishment of the popular local pub, acquired by Hydes in 2016, includes an extensive exterior redecoration to feature a tiered multi-level beer garden with new decking and a terrace overlooking the River Dee, complete with new garden furniture, benches, planters and garden features. The exterior makeover has more than doubled the previous capacity of the outside seating area.

Inside has seen a redecoration, completely new furniture, installation of state of the art TV screens including an 80” television plus toilets relocated to allow for a more spacious seating area which has increased the interior capacity of the pub by at least 30.

A refresh of the pub’s front exterior has also been carried out, further enhancing the establishment’s appeal.

Manager of The Mount Inn, James Gornall, who has over 20 years experience in the hospitality sector, has a full programme of live music and pub entertainment lined up now the refurbishment is complete including live music every Saturday and for the first time, barbecues during the summer.

Commented James: “I’ve been running The Mount Inn for around 16 months and I just love it. I love it even more now that Hydes delivered such a high quality refurbishment that has truly revitalised it. Many of the regular customers have been looking forward to the refurb and they’re over the moon with the new look and feel. The improvements are already paying off and we’re pulling in more and more customers every week. With our fantastic beer garden and terrace, I can’t wait for the weather to pick up so everyone can make the most of our hospitality and the surroundings.”

This latest refurbishment project forms part of an ongoing multi-million investment programme across the Hydes’ estate over the next few years. Hydes committed over £10m to refurbishments of pubs across its estate over the past two years and it plans to add to that investment throughout the remainder of 2024.

Managing director of Hydes Brewery, Adam Mayers said: “The Mount Inn is a friendly, local pub, rich with character and typical of a Hydes pub of today. It’s a great pub to relax and enjoy a memorable pint whilst enjoying the views of the River Dee or Welsh mountains, or alternatively watching a match or listening to live music. The reopening has been timed to coincide before the busy summer season kicks in so customers can enjoy both the weather and some of the big sporting events taking place.

“We’re delighted to see The Mount Inn revitalised with an inviting new look and feel, but still retaining its distinct sense of heritage, which is important to us and all of our customers. Offering the best in fine ales, world lagers, great wines and a warm welcome combined with weekly live entertainment and all the live sporting action, there’s even more reasons to visit The Mount Inn now.

“Hydes remains fully committed to all of the pubs across its estate and this refurb is the latest in our ongoing programme of planned redesigns and refurbishments. Providing our customers with a quality, memorable experience is a key consideration and we know they won’t be disappointed.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

Food & Drink, News, Wrexham

Wrexham couple celebrate two decades of running popular community pub

A husband and wife team are toasting success after running the local community pub for over two decades.

Mark Jones has operated the Stanton House in Chirk, Wrexham since 2001 along with his wife Chelly who joined him behind the bar in 2015. Mark’s aunt and uncle owned the building before his dad transformed it into a public house, which was then acquired by Hydes Brewery, also in 2001.

The popular pub, still owned by Hydes, received an extensive refurbishment last year which has revitalised the business, helping to boost turnover in 12 months.

Mark and Chelly have worked very closely with Salford-based brewery and pub company, Hydes, turning the pub from a busy community establishment into a popular pub and restaurant, appealing to local residents as well as tourists to the area.

Hydes’ transformation of the popular village pub, part of the Hydes tenanted estate, included a complete interior redecoration with new furniture throughout and a newly configured bar areas, together with a full refresh of the exterior.

The refurb was sympathetic to Stanton House’s existing features, retaining all the character which has made it a popular destination pub with drinkers and a main focus of community activity in Chirk.

Mark and Chelly have successfully established The Stanton House as a real community hub for the people of Chirk and surrounding areas and say that the investment from Hydes, together with ongoing support and advice, has reinvigorated the pub.

Additional recent investment from Hydes has resulted in the pub hosting its first live music and beer festival. Stanton Festival on 18 May will feature live music and entertainment from local bands all day, with a barbecue, an outside bar and activities for all the family to enjoy. The couple plans to make the festival an annual event to unite the community.

Popular with locals and visitors to Chirk, The Stanton House is located within a designated conservation area and in walking distance of the Castle and the narrow boat basin. A broad selection of beers and other popular drinks are complemented by an enticing homemade food menu designed and cooked by Chelly.

Commented Mark Jones: “The support we have received from Hydes, especially over the past five years, has allowed us to fully realise the potential this pub has to offer. We have the freedom to implement our own ideas, from homecooked food to planning events and entertainment, and can rely on Hydes to support us every step of the way. It’s a fantastic example of family run businesses working very effectively together to deliver outstanding results. We have lots of scope to help shape our own success but we know we can rely on Hydes for their valuable input whenever we need it.”

Added Chelly: “The financial support we’ve received from Hydes has been crucial, at a time when the entire hospitality sector has struggled. Flexible payments, generous financial support and lots of other extras have enabled us to make the pub a roaring success against the backdrop of a very challenging economic climate. This support has helped us massively, especially following the refurbishment which means we now host up to three or four parties and functions every week. The investment in The Stanton Arms really has made it a destination for people looking to hold family celebrations and important events.”

This refurbishment forms part of an ongoing multi-million pound investment programme in the Hydes estate. Since 2022, Hydes has committed over £10m to refurbishments of pubs across its estate and plans to maintain investment throughout 2024.

Managing director of Hydes, Adam Mayers said: “It’s great to see The Stanton House doing so well with such dedicated tenants at the helm. It’s become even more integral to the community that it operates in and the investment we made into it certainly has paid off. Mark and Chelly are one of our longest-standing tenant couples at Hydes and are committed to providing a first rate customer experience, which is totally aligned with our key service offering. Working closely together,  we make a great team and look forward to seeing what the future holds.

“We’re happy to provide ongoing support to our tenanted pubs and investment in the form of a refurbishment is just one way that we can help to drive the business and provide support through challenging economic periods. As a very popular pub that plays a vital role in the local community, we’re committed to ensuring the long term survival of pubs such as The Stanton House.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

To find out more about Hydes Brewery visit https://www.hydesbrewery.com/.

Food & Drink, News

Hop&Co. Set to Sink its Teeth into British Sandwich Week 2024

Cheshire-based PR and marketing agency Hop&Co. is delighted to announce that it will once again be managing the publicity campaign for British Sandwich Week which this year will take place between Monday, May 20th, and Sunday, May 26th. 

British Sandwich Week is a week-long celebration of the greatest food to go and one of the most iconic British culinary inventions, the sandwich. Trade body the British Sandwich & Food to Go Association (BSA) has a veritable host of activities planned with tasty campaigns set to get the whole food-on-the-move industry involved, from interviews with association director Jim Winship to information and expert commentary on all things sandwich, and newsworthy content from the Sandwich & Food to Go Designer of the Year Awards. 

Fully integrated digital, PR, and social media agency Hop&Co. will support the BSA and its members, which include major food retail players such as Subway, Greggs, and Co-op. Having previously worked on annual projects for the BSA, Team Hop has recently been brought on board to work on a retained fee basis to ensure that each and every element of the association – all specialist weeks, events, magazines, and awards that sit under the BSA umbrella – is given the consistent focus it needs and deserves. 

Becks Wiper, Hop&Co. founder and managing director, said: 

“We’re thrilled to be working with the BSA and the team behind British Sandwich Week. What could be better than being fully immersed in sandwiches for an entire week? My favourite thing about foodie celebrations like British Sandwich Week is that they’re not only supporting the economy but are also getting British businesses from the sector together and celebrating the innovation of food vendors, large and small. 

“For this year’s campaign, we’ll have tons of sarnie-related content, so watch this space.” 

Jim Winship, BSA director, added: 

“Having worked with Hop&Co. on previous publicity campaigns, we were delighted to appoint them as our agency partner across the board. The team is highly professional and brimming with ideas and creativity, which translate into proven results. 

“British Sandwich Week has also been a roaring success when Hop’s involved. The results speak for themselves.” 

Food & Drink, News

Aimia Foods Signs Celebrity Brand Ambassador for Isovibe

Aimia Foods, the specialist manufacturer of dry, powder-based products and parent company of Horlicks, has appointed Malin Andersson as the celebrity ambassador for its latest brand launch.

Malin, who rose to fame in 2016 following her appearance on the second series of ITV2’s Love Island, is set to be the face of Isovibe, a new range of fun and fruity Clear Whey Protein powders.

The former Love Island star who now inspires thousands as a mental health advocate and body positivity campaigner, will work with the brand to share her top tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and meet protein goals, as a new mum with a busy schedule.

Made with premium whey protein isolate and flavoured using real fruit powders, Isovibe Clear Whey is available in B&M stores nationwide in three juicy flavours; Peach & Raspberry, Cherry & Apple, Lemon & Lime, with a fourth, Mango & Passionfruit, exclusively online on Amazon.

Ethan Duffey, Assistant Brand Manager at Aimia Foods, commented: “The Isovibe range of Clear Whey Protein has been developed to support health, happiness and well-being, as well as providing a much-needed boost. Malin uses her platform to inspire, motivate and help others look and feel their best, therefore is perfectly placed to be our brand ambassador. We’re thrilled to have her on board and are very

Isovibe Clear Whey Protein retails at £12.99 in B&M.

With over 25 production lines across 225,000 sq ft. of product site space, Aimia Foods has a broad range of manufacturing capabilities, with BRC certification and food standards approval from multiple UK retailers.

Aimia Foods pack, manufacture and distribute a wide range of food and beverage products in a number of different packaging formats, with particular specialism in blending and manufacturing ambient, dry, powder-based products. Aimia Foods’ brands include, Horlicks, Drink me Chai, and Shmoo, among others.

Based in Haydock, Aimia covers a multitude of markets and categories for retail, cash & carry, food service, vending as well as offering a co-manufacturing service across the business.

For more information on Isovibe, visit www.isovibe.co.uk and for more information on Aimia Foods, visit www.aimiafoods.com.

Food & Drink, Hospitality, News

Landmark Northern Quarter pub and boutique hotel reopens after major refurbishment

Salford-based brewery and pub retailer Hydes has re-opened its award-winning pub and boutique hotel, The Abel Heywood, based in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, following a £200k refurbishment.

First opened as a pub by Hydes in 2015, The Abel Heywood closed last month for a full interior refurbishment and refresh. The improvements include the installation of new booth seating, a fresh new update of the existing Victorian-style decor, new external signage, lighting and an appealing full revamp of the bar areas.

The adjoined 15-room boutique hotel, which consistently has a 99% occupancy rate, remained open throughout the renovations and will receive a bespoke makeover during the next 12 months.

Hydes has committed £200k worth of investment to the refurbishment project. The investment is part of a wider multi-million-pound programme planned for other key sites in Hydes’ pub estate including The Boat House at Parkgate on the Wirral, The Nursery Inn at Heaton Norris, Stockport and The Mount Inn at Chester.

The Abel Heywood is the first pub in Hydes estate to benefit this year from the investment fund. Last year, Hydes committed over £4 million worth of investment in its estate and expects to double that figure this year.

General manager Alex Allan, who has run the Abel Heywood for the past 10 years, is excited for the future. He commented: “The investment is very welcome and should give the Abel Heywood a renewed lease of life. We’ve come through some very tough trading conditions in the past few years but we’ve remained an important part of the city centre’s social scene, helping to celebrate what Manchester has to offer.

“The Abel Heywood is now in a great position to build on the success and reputation it has worked so hard to achieve and maintain since we first acquired it a decade ago. We’re sure the improvements will help cement our status as a firm favourite in the Northern Quarter.”

Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes commented: “The refurbishment and relaunch of the Abel Heywood is the first in a planned programme of investments in our pubs for this year. It’s a key venue for us in Manchester city centre and is a landmark pub and hotel which has provided a characterful hub for locals and visitors to the city for the past 10 years. Whether it’s Hydes’ range of quality ales, traditional, home-cooked food served every day or a contemporary hotel room for the night, the Abel Heywood has something to offer everybody who visits.

“Starting with The Abel Heywood, our ongoing investment programme highlights our commitment to our pub estate, customers and the communities we operate in. Investment in our pubs and our people remains a major focus for Hydes.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

Food & Drink, Food Awards, News

Stirling Distillery Win at Business Excellence Awards

Stirling Distillery, situated in the shadow of Stirling Castle, are celebrating after winning ‘Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year’ at the Stirling Business Excellence Awards. Organised by the Scotsman, in association with STEP, the awards were held at the Stirling Court Hotel on Thursday 22nd February. These inaugural awards recognise and celebrate the businesses that play a vital role in the economic success of the city and region.

Award-winning distillery is a small family-run business creating hand crafted spirits in the historic ‘Old Smiddy’, Stirling’s first legal distillery on the castle rock. Distilled, bottled and labelled in the history building, they have been offering daily gin and whisky tastings, distillery tours and gin school since 2019. Known for their award-winning London dry gin made with foraged Stirlingshire nettles, Stirling Distillery expanded into whisky in 2023. Their range of products celebrate local history and folklore, such as their Battle Strength gin which commemorates the Battle of Stirling Bridge and features custom artwork from Scottish artist Ritchie Collins.

Voted Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Stirling Business Awards in 2023 and awarded a coveted 2023 Travellers’ Choice Award for the third year in a row from online travel website TripAdvisor, Stirling Distillery is listed as the number one thing to do in Stirling on their website. Just a short walk down from the castle, they have received over 900 five-star reviews of their gin and whisky experiences and are now recognised as a top tourist destination in the city. With over 24,000 visitors to the Old Smiddy during 2023, the team have welcomed guests from across the world.

As well as this visitor experience recognition, the distillery has also received a range of awards for their gins including a silver medal at the 2023 Scottish Gin Awards, a coveted Great Taste star, plus a range of London Spirits Awards. In 2023, the team rebranded their gin bottle range, made history by distilling the first whisky in Stirling for 171 years and launched their whisky cask club.

Distillery co-founder June McCann spoke of her delight at winning:

“We are proud to be part of this great city and be one of the many amazing businesses thriving in it. Make sure you add our wee distillery to your itinerary if you’re ever headed our way. As the gateway to the highlands and close to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, we really are the perfect location in Scotland”.

Visit https://stirlingdistillery.com/ for more information.

 

About Stirling Distillery

Stirling Distillery, established in 2015, is steeped in Scottish history. Located in the shadow of Stirling Castle, central Scotland, it is the city’s first legal distillery. Offering a range of gins and whiskies all with historic relevance, the distillery is open daily for gin experiences, tastings and a weekly gin school.

Food & Drink, News, Sustainability

Nim’s ‘zero food waste’ success triggers new product launches

Achieving ‘zero food waste’ has helped a specialist manufacturer of air-dried fruit and vegetable crisps launch new products and enjoy a near 20% boost in turnover.

Nim’s uses over 600 tonnes of fresh produce every year and 95% of that is classed as rescued or wonky and wouldn’t be sold on the shelves of supermarkets across the country.The Sittingbourne-based company, which employs 18 people, has developed a process that means all this fruit and veg is used in its range of crisps, drinks, garnishes, and edible teas.

Investing £30,000 into a new machine to offer bespoke formats, including fruit and vegetable powders, has also unlocked a host of new ingredients and garnishes.

This covers apples, pineapples, pears, watermelons, and all citrus fruits and can be used to flavour alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the point of manufacture, as well as used in bars, pubs, and hotels at the point of making/serving cocktails.

They are also incorporated into baking and cake decorations and by restaurants when garnishing dishes.

Nimisha Raja MBE, founder of Nim’s, commented: “Achieving ‘zero food waste’ is a big task for a small producer, but it was something we have been committed to since we launched and now proudly boast that all the fruit and vegetables, including the skin and core we buy and process, is used in a meaningful way.

“0.03% is unfit for human consumption, but we even have an answer for that with it being successfully sent to an anaerobic waste treatment plant and returned to us in the form of energy.”

She continued: “This isn’t marketing rhetoric either. Our commitment to transparency and compliance has meant scrutiny through rigorous auditing bodies, such as BRCG, Sedex and SMETA, as well as customers such as Pret A Manger, The Azzurri Group, Marks & Spencer and Holland & Barrett all holding us to account.

“We did this for sustainable reasons. However, we quickly found that with the right machine we could create smaller ingredients that we are now selling online or direct to trade.”

Nim’s, which recently secured Sustainability and ESG Awards in the Insider Made in the South East and Kent Business Awards, is now going a step further by approaching growers and distributors of fresh produce with a view to buying their excess fruit and vegetables.

The company’s sustainability efforts have already seen it create edible teas and pet food, with one of its most popular ranges being apple cores for horse treats.

These partnerships with suppliers, and the addition of ingredients, provides the platform for the firm to penetrate different sectors, with really encouraging feedback from buyers.

Nimisha went on to add: “It’s really rewarding to know that our suppliers appreciate the opportunity to declare their own reduction in food waste by proving they are using a ‘zero food waste’ supplier. In turn, this counts towards sustainability efforts and how they are combatting food waste across their supply chai

“All our products are made using only 100% fruit and are the most natural, flavoursome, and sustainable ingredients available.

“With no artificial colouring, flavouring and preservatives, or indeed any other additives, they help consumers and manufacturers to offset the use of ultra-processed ingredients. They are also 100% allergen free and certified Vegan, delivering universal appeal.”

She concluded: “Early adopters in the manufacturing sector have been a gin distiller for our citrus peel to flavour its gin, as well as ice cream, yoghurt and porridge brands using our powders (apple, pear, pineapple, lemon, orange) to add natural and sustainable flavours to their products.”

For further information, please visit www.nimsfruitcrisps.com or follow the company on its social media channels.

Food & Drink, News

BanktheFood and The Trussell Trust Join Forces to increase vital food donation to food banks

BanktheFood, a small charity helping food banks get essential supplies, has partnered with the Trussell Trust to ensure that food banks get the items they need the most so they can continue supporting people experiencing poverty in their local communities. The partnership will make it easier for people across the UK to find out the best items to donate to their local food bank.

Across the UK, food banks are at breaking point. The soaring cost of living is leaving people with no option but to turn to their local food bank – and the amount of help needed is outstripping the donations they are receiving.  The Trussell Trust has partnered with BanktheFood, a free charity-run app, that enables users to connect with local food banks and receive a notification of the food bank’s most needed items every time they run low on essentials. The app even sends a list of what’s urgently needed when the user arrives at their local supermarket, enabling shoppers to choose the items that will make the biggest difference in their local community and add them to their shop before they get to the checkout.

Since 2021, BanktheFood has grown in popularity and now has more than 48,000 people using the app to donate food items and toiletries, helping both the Trussell Trust and independent food banks in communities across the UK. The app is free for everyone to use and generates up to 7,000 donated items via the app every week. This partnership will allow BanktheFood to reach more users, seeking to generate an additional 100,000 food donations for food banks over the next year.

 

Emma Spring, co-founder of BanktheFood, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Trussell Trust. It will allow us to provide more food to people who are struggling to get by and support our partner food banks and charities. Together, we can help ensure that fewer people go without the essentials each day in the UK.”

The Trussell Trust is an anti-poverty charity that supports a network of more than 1,300 food bank centres across the UK who distributed close to three million emergency food parcels to people facing hardship last year. As well as providing food and other essential items, the Trussell Trust delivers community-based programmes that provide advice and support to help reduce the likelihood of someone needing to access a food bank in the future.  The year-long partnership will see the Trussell Trust supporting BanktheFood with the development of the app, increasing awareness amongst the general public, and encouraging food banks across the Trussell Trust network to use it.

 

Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, said: “This partnership with BanktheFood will make it even easier for people to support their local food bank and donate the items that they need the most. Food banks in the Trussell Trust network are having to buy more food than ever before as donations are not keeping up with the sharp increase in the number of people needing to seek support and the BanktheFood app will help to ensure that every item donated will make a real difference to people facing hardship in that community.”

 

Download the free BanktheFood app, find your local food bank and help them get the items they need most. Follow BanktheFood on Facebook @bankthefood or Twitter @BanktheFoodUK