Trafford Centre’s food appeal helps feed local children and families in need

With the coronavirus pandemic pushing thousands of people into financial hardship, FareShare has seen demand for food skyrocket.

During lockdown, in Greater Manchester alone, FareShare distributed nearly 1,000 tonnes of food to those who need it most.

Since 24th October, FareShare Greater Manchester volunteers manned the deck of The Orient food court at intu Trafford Centre, collecting non-perishable food items from generous customers, retailers and staff.

These were then distributed to food banks, community groups, activity schemes and schools, supporting families across Greater Manchester.

“The Trafford Centre sits at the heart of the community and is well-known to everyone across Greater Manchester, so we wanted to do our bit by using our platform to support FareShare Greater Manchester and the incredible work they do,” said centre director Zoe Inman.

“We’ve had hundreds of generous donations from our customers and our retailers, demonstrating amazing community spirit and enabling FareShare Greater Manchester to continue to help so many local families who need support.”

The charity recently gave Marcus Rashford and his mum Melanie Maynard a tour of their new warehouse in Manchester which has been taken on to respond to COVID-19.

The new facility will be named after Melanie, in honour of the work Marcus has done to raise awareness of food poverty in the UK.

“We’ve been overwhelmed at the fabulous support people from across Greater Manchester have given to FareShare in response to Marcus Rashford’s campaign,” said Miranda Kaunang, head of development at FareShare Greater Manchester.

“We’re so grateful to The Trafford Centre team for organising this collection, and to everyone who has kindly made a donation to our appeal – it’s needed now more than ever. 

“Demand for food from those experiencing financial hardship increased threefold during lockdown, and the majority of the organisations we partner with to distribute food to those who need it most anticipate that demand will increase over the winter further still. 

“This fantastic appeal from The Trafford Centre will enable us to feed even more local people who need support.

“Thanks again to everyone who has kindly donated.”

Donations to the charity can be made at faresharegm.org.uk.