Manchester Airport workers’ donations to feed dozens of families this summer

Staff working at Manchester Airport have clubbed together to collect food, toiletries and other essential goods for distribution to local food banks over the school summer holidays.

The Feed a Family scheme, which has been spearheaded by the Airport Community Network, was open to colleagues working for the airport and for a number of other employers based on the site, such as airlines, retailers and construction firms.

A huge variety of goods were donated, including pasta, rice and tinned fruit and vegetables; household necessities such as toilet roll and washing up liquid; and toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste and soap – as well as treats for children to enjoy in their school holidays, such as sweets, chocolates and toys.

Items collected were delivered to the Message Community Grocery in Sharston, and The Welcome Café in Shaw Heath, Knutsford, last week.

“We are grateful to the Airport Community Network for this donation,” said Sam Hawthorne, The Message Trust.

“The Message Community Grocery is open for the people of Manchester, helping to keep families fed and give members access to support too.

“This is particularly important over the school summer holiday period when children may not have access to the school meals they usually rely on during term time.”

Colleagues from partner organisations across the Airport Community Network provided items for the collection, including Cavu, Mace, NATS, Holiday Inn Express, Double Tree by Hilton and MediaFour.

“We are delighted with the terrific response this appeal received from colleagues across the airport community,” said Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport. 

“With more than one in four children now living in poverty, the school summer holidays can be quite a daunting time for lower-income families, many of whom rely on school meal provision during term time.

“Manchester Airport and its partners are committed to supporting our neighbouring communities and this appeal is one of the many ways in which we are putting that commitment into action.”