Thursday, 21 May 2020
An East Midlands distribution charity that ensures surplus food goes to those who need it has been given a helping hand by the 糖心原创.
FareShare Midlands scrambled to set up a Nottingham office because of a sudden demand for services during the Coronavirus lockdown.
This required them to quickly locate office equipment, volunteers and funds.
The University was able to help when Gareth Gee, a tutor in the School of Education, responded to the call for volunteers. He began helping to unload and load food in the warehouse and drive a collection/drop off vehicle to locations in the region.
When he learnt that the charity needed furniture for the Lenton depot he approached the University’s Estates team. The University was able to offer desks, tables, chairs and filing cabinets that were no longer needed.
The warehouse is now handling more than 10 tonnes of food and meals a week.
Gareth said: “I am not medically qualified, so this was an opportunity to do something practical to help out. The Red Cross put me in touch with FareShare. These charities are experts, and they've really come to the fore to alleviate the problems caused by Covid-19. It's great to be able to help them in their work.”
Andy Parkinson, Head of Operations at FareShare Midlands said: “We were really grateful for the way people have responded to our calls for help.
We are facing great challenges in these unprecedented times. As the Coronavirus outbreak escalates, more and more people in our communities will face hunger, long periods of isolation and access to good, healthy food will be a struggle as many local charities may have to close.
“We have a strong relationship with the University and were delighted for the donation of office furniture and to have volunteers from the institution. Last year we had an MBA student from the Business School working with us on his final assignment, and he went on to work for us part time.”
receives fresh, in date and good to eat surplus food into their warehouses where it is sorted and stored by a team of staff and volunteers. It is then redistributed to 450 charities and community groups across the Midlands, including community centres, homeless shelters and children’s breakfast/school holiday clubs.
Donated office furniture
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.