18 Manchester restaurants join charity campaign to help fight child hunger

Celebrity chefs and restaurants across the UK, including 18 in Manchester, are joining Action Against Hunger’s Love Food Give Food campaign.

The premise of the campaign is simple: this September, participating restaurants will add an optional £1 to the bill or donate a percentage of the proceeds of a menu item.

The money raised goes towards fighting hunger around the world.

Every day, more than 5,000 children under the age of five die as a result of hunger.

Action Against Hunger is the world’s leading charity in the fight against child hunger, treating more young children for life-threatening hunger than any other charity. In 2018 alone, the charity supported more than 21 million people across 47 countries.

Every £1 donated equals one day’s worth of life-saving, therapeutic food to treat a child suffering from life-threatening hunger. Any more than that will support families to grow their own food, access clean water and get the healthcare they need.

The small voluntary contribution may not seem much, but the pounds quickly add up. The charity is hoping to raise £550,000 – enough money to provide life-saving food and nutrition for 13,000 children.

A recent UN State of Food Security report has shown that global hunger levels have risen for a third consecutive year. Today, more than a quarter of the world’s population – two billion people – don’t have regular access to safe, nutritious food.

Manchester restaurants who have joined the campaign so far include Lunya, Hawksmoor, Mana, Tast, Bundobust, Fazenda, Iberica, Indian Tiffin Room, Shoryu, Tattu, Pho, Veeno, Great John Street and King Street Townhouse in the city centre.

There’s also Dinnerstone in Uppermill, Caramello in Didsbury,  and The Creameries and The Leadstation in Chorlton.

“We are happy to contribute to those who do not have access to something as simple and important as food,” said Miquel Villacrosa, head chef at Tast Restaurant.

“Food is what we work in every day and why Tast exists. Love Food Give Food is our chance to help children in communities where food and nourishment is a challenge.”

Action Against Hunger’s flagship Love Food Give Food campaign has been running for 10 years and, thanks to the generosity of the restaurant industry, has raised more than £3 million to date.

The campaign is simple and costs participants nothing. Participating restaurants simply add £1 to a diner’s table bills or a donation on a special dish throughout September and October.

“It’s fantastic that so many chefs and restaurants have signed up to support the campaign,” said Matthew White, director of fundraising at Action Against Hunger.

“We need to recognise that hunger is on the rise and that governments need to be doing more to support communities that are paying the price of climate change.

“Where better to start this conversation than around the dinner table?”

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