Entering its fifth consecutive year, Ben’s Original continues to Stand Against Hunger in partnership with the Trussell Trust – as the pair continue to stand together for a future where no one in the UK needs to rely on food banks.
In the last year, food banks within the Trussell Trust network distributed more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels – the highest number recorded in a single year. 1.1 million of these emergency food parcels were distributed to children.
Ben’s Original believes everyone should have a seat at the table and have access to nutritious food. However, for many families across the UK, not being able to afford food is a stark reality, reflected in the shocking 94 per cent increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust food banks compared to five years ago.
In a continuation of its ongoing Stand Against Hunger campaign, this year Ben’s Original is making an additional donation of £115,000 to the Trussell Trust, taking their cumulative support for this partnership to over £500,000. These funds will be instrumental in supporting the Trussell Trust's extensive network of over 1,400 food bank centres, all of which play a vital role in providing emergency food as well as wider support and advice to people in communities across the UK who are unable to afford the essentials.
From July through to October, Ben’s Original is running its nationwide in-store campaign in partnership with retailers Sainsbury’s and Co-op. To enable shoppers to actively contribute to making a difference, the business has pledged to donate 10 pence for every pack of Ben’s Original Egg Fried Rice, Golden Vegetable, Spicy Mexican or Savoury Chicken purchased in-store during the activation period.
Commenting on the partnership, Sian Gavin, Ben’s Original European Brand Director said: “We want a country where large-scale emergency food distribution is no longer needed. I believe we can achieve this future, but it calls for all of us to take action, which is why we’re proud to be continuing our partnership with the Trussell Trust for the fifth year running. The harsh truth is that hunger is still a pressing issue for many in the UK, but I’m proud to see all the ways that this partnership is making a tangible difference for those who need it.”
Sophie Carre, Director of Public Engagement at the Trussell Trust, added: “A huge thank you to Mars Food & Nutrition for their ongoing support as we enter the fifth consecutive year of our partnership. Last year food banks in the Trussell Trust network distributed record numbers of emergency food parcels to people unable to afford the essentials in the UK as more and more people are forced to turn to food banks for support.
"Food banks are not the answer, but they will be there to support people as long as they are needed. The support of Mars Food & Nutrition has made a significant difference to people supported by our network and will help food banks continue to provide the lifeline of emergency support for local people in crisis, while we work in the long term to end hunger for good.”
The in-store activations will run from 31st July to 1st October in Sainsbury’s and 21st August to 10th September in Co-op.
