FareShare Midlands opens new facility to combat food poverty and unemployment

A major new initiative to turbo-charge the fight against food poverty and unemployment in the region has begun operations in Birmingham as part of the Coronation Food Project, inspired by The King.

A groundbreaking facility dedicated to food redistribution and skills development is operated by FareShare Midlands thanks to the generous support of The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust.

The Coronation Food Project, inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, aims to bridge the gap between food insecurity and food waste.

Nearly 10 million people are facing food poverty despite the shocking fact that around 4.6 million tonnes of food is wasted across the UK food industry every year.

The Coronation Food Project is working with FareShare, alongside network partners such as FareShare Midlands and the wider food industry, to turn surplus food into vital support for those who need it most.

Recognising Birmingham’s urgent needs - where 46 per cent of children live in poverty and unemployment stands at 14.5 per cent (highest among core cities) - the Coronation Food Project identified the city as a priority location for a Coronation Food Hub.

Philanthropist and business leader Sir Peter Rigby has committed £2 million from his Charitable Trust to fund the Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub.

Located in Gravelly Park, Birmingham, the Hub is run by FareShare Midlands, the region’s leading food redistribution charity.

FareShare Midlands currently redistributes surplus food to 650 charities and community groups and schools across the region, helping to feed over 60,000 people every week. The Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub will double its current food redistribution capacity.

Sir Peter Rigby said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that nearly half of Birmingham’s children live in poverty, with many having very limited access to regular nutritious meals.

“My decision to support the new Coronation Food Hub reflects my commitment to ensuring that local families don’t go hungry.”

Sonia Chhatwal, executive director of the Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust, added: “By working in collaboration with FareShare Midlands and local community groups, we aim to reduce food waste and address the root causes of poverty in our region.”

Beyond food, the new Hub will enable the local community to access training in warehousing, catering and technology, supporting thousands of people into sustainable employment. Through the development of a high specification kitchen facility, the new Hub will also be able to provide training for charities and individuals to learn more about utilising surplus food.

FareShare Midlands has now launched a recruitment campaign for volunteers to support operations at the new facility. 

Simone Connolly, FareShare Midlands CEO said: "The Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub represents a powerful step forward in tackling food poverty and unemployment across Birmingham.

“This cutting-edge facility will not only enable FareShare Midlands to redistribute substantially more surplus food to those who need it most, but also help break the cycle of poverty through training and employment opportunities for local people.”

You can get involved by volunteering within the warehouse, the kitchen or by driving a van. Find more information HERE.

Pictured: Simone Connolly, FareShare Midlands CEO, with staff and volunteers in the warehouse at the Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub.