News | Thursday, 14th May 2020

Coronavirus: University catering team donate food parcels to support the community

Manchester food banks and students in halls received donations

Ben Collier, Head of Catering at Manchester Metropolitan, loads the donations into a van
Ben Collier, Head of Catering at Manchester Metropolitan, loads the donations into a van

The catering team at Manchester Metropolitan University has donated a selection of food supplies to support vulnerable people in the community through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Eight van-loads of unused goods from the University’s catering outlets, such as bottled and canned drinks and smoothies, chocolate bars, biscuits, popcorn, and cereal bars, along with many other items, were sent to three food banks in the community this month.

The charities included Manchester South Central Food Bank, in Hulme, Compassion Food Bank in Moss Side, and Cornerstone Day Centre, Manchester, which provides services to vulnerable adults.

Manchester Metropolitan security staff who are working on campus and those students who are still living in halls of residence also received a package of food.

Josie Sykes, Community Engagement Manager at Manchester Met, said: “We’ve been reaching out to see how the University can work with our community partners to support local people during the pandemic.

“The catering team has worked quickly to deliver supplies to the foodbank, where they will be distributed to the most vulnerable.

“It’s been great to work with different teams from across the University to make a difference at this time and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to both environmental sustainability and local communities.”

Jo Warmington, Project Manager at Manchester South Central Foodbank, said: “We wouldn't be able to provide enough emergency food parcels without donations from organisations like Manchester Metropolitan University, and sadly over the past month there has been a soaring increase in the need for these parcels.

“Last week we supported over 160 people and our usual stock of donated foods simply isn't enough. Partners like Manchester Metropolitan University play a vital role in supporting our work to help people in crisis.”

The University regularly works closely with the community to co-produce activities including the annual Community Learning Festival, Christmas Lunch and Hulme Winter Festival.

The University also supports local projects by offering the use of its spaces to groups including The Proud Trust and The Children’s Society.

Josie Sykes added: “Community partners are integral to the work of the University and our established relationships with community networks is key to us identifying new ways of working together.”

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