Love food, give food: Manchester restaurants sign up to fight hunger in Africa

Ever felt guilty about dining out when some people don’t have enough to eat?

A number of Manchester restaurants are joining hundreds of others across the country in a campaign organised by a national charity to eradicate life-threatening malnutrition in Matam, a province of north-eastern Senegal affected by poverty and famine.

During September and October, they will be serving dishes where a percentage of the price goes to Action Against Hunger’s Healthy Mums Healthy Kids appeal – or giving diners the opportunity to add a small donation to their bill.

Big-hearted Manchester eateries which have announced they will be taking part include Lunya, Cafe Football at the National Football Museum, Grafene, Pho, King Street Tavern and Don Giovanni.

And every penny raised by the public will be matched by the Department for International Development’s UK Aid initiative.

Peter and Elaine Kinsella’s award-winning deli, restaurant and bar Lunya is participating in the campaign for the second year running.

“It is a cause that is so worthwhile and gives us and our customers an opportunity to be part of something with goal to eradicate hunger around the world in our lifetime,” says Elaine.

“In today’s world, no one should go hungry. We are excited to be part of this and are determined to raise as much money as possible.”

Another participating restaurant is Pho, the Vietnamese restaurant in the Corn Exchange, who have been supporting Action Against Hunger for many years.

“This is our fourth year as a partner in the Love Food Give Food campaign,” says head of marketing Libby Andrews.

“It’s a brilliant cause and so fitting for the hospitality industry. We love food, our customers love food, and for such a small donation each time we dine out, we can all help to save the lives of hungry children around the world.”

Fine dining restaurant Grafene are encouraging diners to support the scheme by paying a discretionary £1 on the bill.

“We are delighted to offer our guests the opportunity to support Action Against Hunger, a fantastic charity which really makes a difference to children around the world who are facing hunger and malnutrition,” says owner Paul Roden.

“We are proud to be partnering with Action Against Hunger, and we look forward to raising as much money as possible for the fantastic cause,” says Liz Reece of Cafe Football in the National Football Museum.

“Being part of Action Against Hunger combines the message ‘Love Food, Give Food’ with our own motto ‘Love Food, Love Football’, in a relationship which strives to kick hunger into touch.”

“Many children in Matam suffer from life-threatening malnutrition,” says Matthew White of Action Against Hunger

“Our Healthy Mums Healthy Kids appeal aims to provide young mums in Senegal with good nutrition and support so their children can have a healthy start in life.

“All you have to do is eat out at your favourite participating restaurant and as a result help mums and kids have healthier, happier futures.”

Find out more here.