86,536 meals donated to Exeter charities during Covid-19 pandemic

M&S Exeter has donated 86,535 meals through partnerships with local causes since the 1st March, helping to support vulnerable people in the local area as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

The retailer’s food redistribution programme has been going since 2015, but the 2020 rollout of a new app which makes it easier for colleagues to donate surplus food to charities has allowed M&S to respond to the increased demand for donations from groups who are helping vulnerable people through difficult times during the pandemic. The app is now in all 585 M&S stores, enabling many of them to more than double their food redistribution rates. Across the UK, donations since March 1st have now surpassed the six million mark.

Surplus food from Exeter has been a lifeline for those reliant on local causes, including Exeter Food Action.

David Hole, Store Manager at M&S Exeter said, “At M&S we’re proud of the role we play in our local community, and we’re continuing doing our bit to support where we can. Our goal is to halve our food waste by 2025, but when there is food surplus our priority is for it to end up on someone’s plate through our redistribution programme with Neighbourly. This has never been more important than this year, so we’re delighted that the food is reaching those who need it through our brilliant charity partners.”

Jon Curtis, Exeter Food Action: "During these trying times, Exeter Food Action has been incredibly grateful for the ongoing support and willingness of M&S to share their excess food with us. We have redistributed it around the city of Exeter to those in need, of which there are many at this difficult stage of history. The food has gone to families, schools, soup kitchens, hostels, to make food parcels and to support those sleeping rough, and M&S engaging with our work is both welcome and necessary."

COO of Neighbourly, Zoe Colosimo, said: “Local charities continue to be under immense pressure and need support now more than ever as the pandemic continues to affect communities. Surplus food and donations have delivered essential help quickly to where it's needed most - at the heart of our local neighbourhoods. It's fantastic to see the phenomenal effort that has been put in by M&S store teams and good local causes."

M&S is always looking for new partners to work with. Local charity and community groups who would like to get involved in the food surplus programme or other charity initiatives are encouraged to email mandsfood@neighbourly.com to find out more.