M&S Food Reaches Milestone Of 50million Meals Donated to Local Charities Across UK

M&S Food has donated over 50million meals to local charities in the past seven years through its partnership with Neighbourly, designed to tackle food waste in-store.

Over 2,700 good causes, including after school clubs to food banks, have benefitted from the donations of edible unsold fresh, ambient and chilled food from M&S stores, with over 6,000 in total benefitting from the partnership with Neighbourly.

Especially at this time of year, local groups across the UK are seeing demand for support surge due to the cost of living. Neighbourly’s latest community survey found 83% of groups are already seeing more demand, while 61% say they’ve seen a drop in food donations from the public. 73% say they would like more food items to be able to support those who need to use their services.

To provide further support for those in need in the run up to Christmas, M&S is donating 95,000 ambient products directly to groups that need them, worth a total of £50,000. This builds on its existing £1 million donation to help 1,000 local community groups, supported by Neighbourly, as part of its Christmas ‘Gifts That Give’ Clothing and Home campaign.

M&S customers wanting to donate items themselves can do so through in-store donation points, which are collected by local charity representatives via Neighbourly, as well as selecting the Neighbourly Foundation as their chosen charity in the UK. 

Every time customers shop with Sparks, M&S donates to their chosen charity. Customers can also find choices in-store to help reduce waste, such as frozen garlic bread made from unsold loaves and baguettes.

Andrew Clappen, Technical Director at M&S Food, said: “Across M&S, we’re extremely proud to have donated 50m meals to fantastic causes across the UK. M&S colleagues are going above and beyond to make sure any surplus edible food reaches those who need it most. Over the past seven years, our stores have developed long lasting relationships with charities at the heart of their community. As we approach Christmas, the hard work will continue to make sure no M&S Food goes to waste.”

“Redistributing edible surplus food is just one part of the puzzle though. We’re determined to tackle food waste, in-store, at source and across customer households. We’ve made progress by removing best before dates across fruit and vegetables, improving our forecasting system and working with suppliers – but there’s still more to do.”

M&S teamed up with distribution platform Neighbourly in 2015, and during the Covid pandemic, accelerated the roll-out of a new app to make it even easier for stores to donate surplus food. The partnership is central to the retailer’s plan to tackle food waste, in line with its Plan A target for 100% of edible surplus to be redistributed by 2025. Currently, 89% on average is redistributed.

Alongside an improved forecasting system, M&S has also updated its food redistribution policies for suppliers to minimise waste. Across stores, colleagues are also able to take home any edible surplus waste that is not able to reach charities or local groups.

Bay20 Community Centre in London used pasta donations from M&S to create pasta bakes for the local residents they support.

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The cost-of-living crisis means more families are relying on their local community charities for food and other services and will do in the run up to Christmas. As our latest community survey shows, support needs to keep up with demand. Our partnership with M&S has made a huge difference to over 6,000 good causes in the Neighbourly network since 2015, and the additional ambient donation is already helping to support struggling families across the UK.”

Poole Waste Not Want Not is one of the charities that has benefitted from M&S’ partnership with Neighbourly. Joined up with M&S’ Ferndown and Broadstone stores, the group receives surplus edible food, as well as any donations from customers via the in-store donation point. The ‘social supermarket’ supports 428 households and provides food with dignity to those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. 

The group offers beneficiaries a choice of food and have also opened a coffee shop area to offer other services to help families in the longer-term, such as budgeting advice, training opportunities and to encourage social groups which help reduce loneliness.

Besides helping reduce food waste in-store and at source, M&S is also taking steps to help customers live more sustainably. Earlier this year, the retailer removed best before dates from over 300 products in a bid to help tackle household food waste, while its Sparking Change challenge provides advice to customers on storing food properly to make it last longer, recipes for leftovers and encourages customers to explore plant proteins.

Best European Christmas markets to get you in the Christmas spirit

Christmas is at hand, it's only a short time away and lovers of the festive season are now being given tips on the best festive markets to visit throughout Europe.  

The team at Busuu have researched eight of the most joyful European Christmas markets to visit this year to get into the festive spirit. 

From a delicious fresh hot chocolate in Brussels to a chimney cake in Budapest, the options for food are countless, as are the Christmas themed activities across the markets. 

Local traders will be looking to bring festive spirit to the public, with food, drinks, crafts and handmade gifts featuring on the very best Christmas markets across Europe. 

A spokesperson for Busuu said: “Christmas markets are truly one of the best ways to really get into the festive spirit. 

“With mulled wine and hot chocolate, traditional foods and roasted marshmallows, handcrafted gifts and ice skating, Europe certainly knows how best to do markets at Christmas time.  

“Every country has different Christmas traditions but they all have one theme in common: spending time with loved ones over the Christmas period.  

“Now is the ideal time to take a short break away to Europe with your nearest and dearest to take a look round what each market has to offer.” 

Here are Busuu’s top eight European Christmas markets to visit this Christmas: 

1. Munich, Germany 

The Munich market will be held around the Marienplatz this year. It dates back to the 14th century, with stalls showcasing Bavarian charm including arts, craft and delicious culinary treats.  Fun activities include The Himmelswerkstatt (Heavenly Workshop) for children aged 6-12 with free crafting activities. 

Running until 24th December 2022. 

2. Basel, Switzerland 

Considered to be one of the prettiest Christmas markets in the country of Switzerland, the market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz will host 130 unique stalls boasting everything from painted baubles to hand-painted cookies. After a bite to eat, head over to the cathedral to admire the beautiful fairy lights and get a family snap for Instagram.  

Running until 23 December 2022.  

3. Poznan, Poland  

Poznan’s famous International ice sculpting competition is the largest contest of its kind in Europe and it returns for another year in the Old Market Square. Watch artists sculpt large blocks of ice whilst enjoying the historic atmosphere and architecture the city of Poznan has to offer.  

Running until 27th December 2022. 

4. Budapest, Hungary 

The glorious St. Stephen's Basilica provides a wonderful scenic backdrop ti the capital's festive Advent. There you will find beautiful handicrafts and special Hungarian delicacies including Chimney Cake. Chimney cake is a sweet dough, rolled in sugar and baked on hot charcoal. They’re coated in festive flavours including cinnamon, vanilla, cacao and walnut.  

Running until 1st January 2023.  

5. London, England  

Hosted in England's capital, the extremely popular Winter Wonderland is back for another year and bigger than ever. With ice sculpting classes and roller coasters, London’s biggest festive event has everything you could dream of for the perfect festive day out.  

Running until 2nd January 2023.  

6. Brussels, Belgium 

Brussels really comes to life with its Christmas markets. The cobbled streets and squares are filled with snow-dusted chalets, pop up eateries and buzzing bars. The markets take place on and around Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons. 

Running until 1st January 2023. 

7. Prague, Czech Republic 

The Prague Christmas Markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with stalls, tasty food and dekicious local drinks to enjoy. Popular foods to enjoy include large hams roasted on spits, smoked sweet meat dumplings and pancakes. Other attractions include nativity scenes and carol singing by local school children. In Old Town Square is the giant Christmas tree dressed in baubles and lights.  

Running until 6 January 2023.  

8. Salzburg, Austria 

Salzburg's Christmas market dates back to 1491 and takes place on Cathedral Square, located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the Cathedral of Salzburg. It’s the perfect place to shop, you'll be tempted by the delicious smell of apples and enjoy the warming festive drinks. Other highlights include the Advent Brass Concert, folk song and dance performances and exciting processions.  

Running until 1st January 2023. 

To find out how to get to them and for more details visit https://www.busuu.com.

(Image of Salzburg at Chirstmas courtesy of Inn and Pixabay)

Beyond Meat for your Christmas dinner. Everyone will want to try it

If your entire family is vegetarian or vegan, or if you have a vegetarian or vegan family member or will be hosting a vegetarian or vegan guest, you will be wanting to provide a vegetarian or vegan alternative to  turkey, roast beef, lamb or duck. 

And having eaten nut roast for Christmas dinner on several occasions, that's not an experience which I would like to repeat, to be perfectly honest.

However, that was several years ago and now plant-based meat alternatives are available that actually taste pretty darn good. One of the best of these newer vegan taste sensations is the Beyond Meat Company.

They produce meatballs, minced meat and sausages all of which are extremely tasty. But in this blog post we are going to concentrate on their mince product.

What we are suggesting is that you obtain some Beyond Meat mince and use it to replace mince meat in a meatloaf recipe which you could use as your meat replacement for your Christmas dinner. Even non-vegans will want to give it a try!

Or, if you'd rather, why not simply serve up Beyond Meat plant-based burgers and sausages as your Christmas meat dish?

You can buy Beyond Meat products at most supermarkets and some other retailers. 

You can learn more (plus check out some delicious recipes) here https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-GB/products/beyond-beef.

Incidentally, you can find Beyond Meat products used by many restaurants including Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Wetherspoon. 

If you are own a restaurant please ask Beyond Meats how you can keep your customers happy with Beyond Meat products.

Blue light worker? Don't worry! Asda has got you covered until next March

Asda has announced it is to it extend its 10% off offer for emergency workers who have valid Blue Light Card until at least 31st March 2023.

The discount is available in all Asda’s 635 stores across the UK and includes food and drink, George at Asda clothing and homeware, toys, gifts and optical. 

Blue Light card holders will receive the discount by presenting their own, valid, Blue Light card and ID to Asda colleagues when they reach the checkout.

The Blue Light Card is a nationally recognised scheme which provides workers in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and the armed forces with a range of discounts. Asda has extended its discount for card holders to acknowledge the amazing work they do each and every day to keep everyone safe.

Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner, said: “We're really delighted to have extended our partnership with the Blue Light Card into its third year until the end of March 2023. 

"Our emergency services personnel do an incredible job and we’re happy to be able to continue this discount, along with our own Asda Rewards loyalty scheme and our everyday low prices, into the new year.”

Tom Dalby, CEO at Blue Light Card, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with ASDA and understand how much it means to our members, especially at this time of year. The exclusive 10% discount across food and soft drinks, George clothing and homeware, toys, gifts and optical helps to support families and individuals across the UK during what is a tough period for many and really highlights ASDA’s appreciation of NHS staff and other frontline workers.”

The Asda discount is valid in stores only (not online) and the terms and conditions are available on the following link Blue Light Discount Terms & Conditions https://www.asda.com/blue-light-card-terms-and-conditions.

Full terms and conditions for the Blue Light discount can be found here (https://www.asda.com/blue-light-card-terms-and-conditions)

(Image courtesy of PublicDomainPictures and Pixabay)

Want to make a difference? The Co-op wants to fund warm spaces. Your group can apply

As winter looms, Co-op has become the first retailer to launch a £1 million ‘Warm Spaces’ funding boost, to provide urgent support to local community organisations across the UK, as they help communities navigate rising energy costs during the cold winter months.

This funding comes as a welcome boost, with insight from over1,600 local community causes across the UK showing almost two-thirds (59%) of projects experienced a shortfall in funding over the past year. In excess of three-quarters (84%) of local causes saw an increase in demand on their services, especially groups providing support for people to help them get through the cost-of-living crisis.

Over a quarter (26%) of community projects revealed they were thinking about needing to cut services as a result of the shortfalls in funding, and, worryingly, a tenth (10%) of local projects had already closed or cut services.

In support, funds raised by Co-op members are helping local groups provide warm spaces for people to use over the coldest winter months, through its newly established partnership with Crowdfunder. 

Eligible groups who are already offering a warm space, or wanting to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities this winter can apply for the £1m match funding, that's up to £3,000 per group is available by applying at coop.uk/warmspaces by 28th February 2023 (fundraising to be completed by 31st March 2023).

Projects eligible to apply could include a community café requiring funding to continue offering their building as a warm space; a local village support group needing to extend existing activities to support more people in their local community; a community 'fridge, needing to promote their services more widely to meet increasing need or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.

Said Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at the Co-op: “As our Co-op research shows, we've a huge role to play in backing and supporting community groups and the people they help during the cost-of-living crisis.

“Funding for warm spaces forms part of our response to our community missions of access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people. Launching this funding boots will help groups keep their lights and heating on as they bring communities together to keep warm in the coldest months of the year– increasing overall wellbeing. 

"It may also mean people don’t have to choose between accessing food or heating this winter. Plus, having a warm space allows the community to take a break from their everyday worries, improving their mental wellbeing, too.

“The £1m funding boost wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us. Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder or take part by using the services that are being funded.”

Rob Love, founder and CEO of Crowdfunder said: “Crowdfunder are delighted to have partnered with Co-op to help keep communities warm this winter. This vital funding is needed now more than ever to make sure there are enough warm spaces open throughout the colder months. Through Crowdfunder, we are able to connect funding from large organisations such as the Co-op with thousands of small charities and community projects who are desperately in need of help”

Sue Collins, Caxton House Community Centre, a long-established multi-purpose Community Hub in North London said: “We've been overwhelmed by the responses regarding the anxiety, stress and increased mental health issues that the current cost of living crisis is causing. 

"Families and older residents have regularly told us they've had to cut down on food as prices have doubled and we receive regular calls asking for emergency help, reminiscent of the first Covid lockdown. 

"We're aware some residents aren't heating their homes and that this will get worse as we progress into the winter months. We want to be able to offer extra advice and support, at a time when our own costs for gas in the centre is increasing from £5,000 annually to an anticipated £50,000+.

“We have opened ‘warm rooms’ providing spaces for residents to keep warm, socialise and access refreshments. We have lots of different activities on different days that include arts and crafts, as well as access to advice including money saving energy tips, budgeting and debt advice, mental health and well-being support. 

"Residents can also charge electrical equipment and fill flasks, with some sessions allowing access to hot food, and pre-prepared meals that can be microwaved at home, saving having to put on an oven.”

Since 2016 Co-op members have helped raise an incredible £117 million for local communities, which includes 30,000 Local Community Fund projects supported, funding over 280 fridges with Hubbub, building the network to 350 'fridges by end of 2022. Expanding the Your Local Pantry network to 225 within the next 3 years, providing more communities with sustainable solutions to access to food.

In addition to signposting 900,000 people to helpful mental wellbeing information and services with Mind, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and Inspire, and helping 6,000 young people make communities safer and fairer places to live through our Peer Action Collective.

For further information and match funding criteria visit coop.uk/warmspaces.

Aldi's essential Christmas veg will be available for just 19p!

Yes, I had to check that price. But it's absolutely correct.19p! 

Those preparing to gear up for buying their Christmas dinner veggies need to be fully aware that Aldi’s cult favourite Christmas Super Six deals are making an anticipated return to stores from 18th December, with all the Christmas dinner veg essentials available at a mere 19p!

Aldi, which has just been named the Which? Cheapest Supermarket for November, the sixth consecutive month in a row, has reduced six Christmas veggie staples to help shoppers avoid breaking the bank this Christmas.

In the deal is a selection of Aldi’s tasty, fresh vegetables all sourced from high quality carefully selected British growers and suppliers, including Carrots (1kg), White Potatoes (2kg), Parsnips (500g), Red and White Cabbages (each), Brussels Sprouts (500g), and Swede (each), all 19p each, saving shoppers up to 80%.

Julie Ashfield, who is the Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi we believe access to fresh, high-quality food is a right, not a privilege! And Christmas dinner is no exception. Christmas is an expensive time for many families up and down the UK, but customers can rest assured Aldi will always offer the very best value on groceries.”

And what's more, Aldi shoppers can rest assured Aldi’s amazing vegetable deals don’t come at a cost to its suppliers. The supermarket carefully plans any promotions and works with British growers on a seasonal or annual fixed cost price. That means, regardless of promotional activity in store, growers receive the same fair price as usual.

Aldi’s Christmas Super Six deals are available in stores nationwide from 18th – 24th December.

Where's your nearest Aldi? Find out at www.aldi.co.uk.

Sainsbury's introduces a greener Christmas this year

Sainsbury’s has announced that it is to remove single-use plastic lids across its own-brand dip pots in 2023, following the removal of single-use plastic lids on yoghurt, crème fraiche, sour cream, cream, cottage cheese and custard pots.

And this year’s Sainsbury’s Christmas range will also see the removal of single-use plastic lids, too.

Sainsbury’s will be removing more single-use plastic lids from its own-brand ranges, with dips set to be the next product to see this change. From March 2023, household favourites such as guacamole, tzatziki and sour cream and chive dip will no longer be sold with single-use plastic lids.

Since 2019 Sainsbury’s has removed single-use plastic lids from a wide range of products including cream, crème fraiche, custard, cottage cheese and sour cream. Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s also removed single-use plastic lids from all own-brand yoghurt.

After removing plastic lids from Sainsbury’s own-brand brandy cream last year, customers can now buy Sainsbury’s own-brand brandy butter without plastic lids, helping save an average of 581,000 pieces of plastic this festive season.

The removal of the single-use plastic lids will save a staggering 71 million pieces of plastic each year in total, equating to 220 tonnes of plastic.

For customers who prefer to use a lid on products at home, Sainsbury’s has launched reusable lids, available to purchase across all its superstore branches in England, Scotland and Wales, plus online for £1.25.

Customers will be able to find the lids in-store in the dairy aisle and they can be used on own-brand pots, plus some branded pots, like Yeo Valley, Onken and Alpro. After each use, the silicone lids just need to be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, before reuse.

Removing single-use plastic lids is just one of the ways Sainsbury's is working towards its commitment to halve its use of own brand plastic packaging by 2025. Sainsbury’s recently changed its entire coffee pods range from plastic to aluminium pods, allowing customers to recycle them at home and helping to save over 10 million pieces of plastic each year. Sainsbury’s also launched new double-length toilet rolls, reducing plastic packaging by 30% equating to 84 tonnes of plastic. www.sainsburys.co.uk