- According to The Food Foundation, approximately 4.7 million adults and 2.5 million children experienced food insecurity in 2022, meaning they lacked reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.
- Research by the End Child Poverty Coalition found that nearly 1 in 3 children in the UK lived in poverty in 2022, with many of these children regularly going without sufficient food.
- Age UK estimates that around 1.3 million older people are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, often due to poverty, isolation, and difficulties accessing food.
- Despite these needs, WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) estimates that around 9.5 million tonnes of food were wasted in the UK in 2021, highlighting the disparity between food waste and food security.
Last week, colleagues from Metro Bank’s Internal Audit Team rolled up their sleeves and joined the remarkable efforts of The Felix Project, a charity committed to ensuring no one goes hungry and that good food never goes to waste. The Felix Project rescues surplus food from the food industry that cannot be sold and would otherwise be discarded. This food is then sorted, packed, and delivered to over 900 frontline community organisations, primary schools, and holiday programmes across the region.
The team volunteered at The Felix Project’s bustling Park Royal Warehouse, immersing themselves in the charity’s mission and operations. Guided by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, they gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricate logistics involved in food rescue and redistribution.
The day was filled with meaningful activities including sorting, labelling, packing, collecting, and delivering food. Each task underscored the importance of teamwork and meticulous planning in ensuring that the rescued food reaches those in need efficiently and effectively.
“It was eye-opening to see how much effort and coordination go into every step of the process,” says Metro Bank’s Director of Internal Audit, Dipti Kasat. “Hunger is a major problem in the world, and witnessing firsthand how The Felix Project tackles this issue by ensuring good food doesn’t go to waste was truly inspiring. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a vital cause and help make a difference in our community.”
For more information on how you can get involved with The Felix Project, visit their website at www.thefelixproject.org.