Midlands organisations urged to support communities as costs rise
As rising global pressures continue to push up the cost of food, fuel and everyday essentials, FareShare Midlands is urging charities and community organisations across the region to take action and support families facing growing financial strain.
The charity, the Midlands’ largest food redistribution organisation, is calling on these vital community organisations to access affordable surplus food through its membership programme, helping people access nutritious food while building stronger, more connected communities.
Each week, FareShare Midlands redistributes enough surplus food for more than 60,000 people through a network of over 650 charities and community groups. But with more families struggling to make ends meet, demand for affordable food is continuing to rise.
FareShare Midlands’ Community Food Membership offers a practical solution, enabling organisations to access a reliable supply of surplus food and use it in ways that best support their communities, including pantry-style services where people can choose healthy food at a low cost.
These approaches not only ease financial pressure, but create welcoming spaces where people can connect - thereby reducing isolation and improving wellbeing.
Food can be used in a variety of ways, from community meals and food parcels to pantry-style offers, depending on local need.
The charity recently expanded its operations through the Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub, increasing its capacity to handle significantly more surplus food - particularly fresh produce - and opening up new opportunities for organisations supporting people in food poverty to get involved.
In Birmingham, Oasis Community Hub Blakenhale is supporting families who are just about managing - until something unexpected pushes them to the edge.
Based in Garretts Green, the Hub works with children, young people and families throughout the week, providing a safe and welcoming space alongside practical support.
With food supplied by FareShare Midlands, the team can respond quickly when families begin to struggle, helping ensure children still have access to fresh, nutritious meals at home. For many, it is a vital safety net - offering reassurance, stability and a place to turn without judgement when times become difficult.
Over the past year, FareShare Midlands redistributed 5,000 tonnes of surplus food - the equivalent of 11 million meals - preventing good food from going to waste while supporting vulnerable communities.
Simone Connolly, CEO of FareShare Midlands, said: “No parent should have to worry about how they will feed their child, yet we’re seeing more families facing that reality every day. Local charities and community organisations can use a membership to provide healthy food at a hugely discounted rate - bringing dignity, stability and hope into communities.
“With the capacity we now have, we can reach so many more people, but we can’t do it alone. If you’re a charity or community group supporting people locally, now is the time to step forward. Get in touch, work with us, and help make sure good food reaches the people who need it most.”
FareShare Midlands is encouraging groups interested in providing food to their local community to get in touch. For more information or to sign up call 0116 286 7735 or email enquiries@faresharemidlands.org.uk.
