M&S donates over 100 million meals though Neighbourly partnership
Marks & Spencer has donated the equivalent of over 100 million meals to good causes since teaming up with food redistribution partner Neighbourly in 2015.
The partnership has prevented over 49,000 tonnes of quality food from going to waste. This has contributed to the retailer’s target of 100% of edible surplus food being redistributed by 2025/26 as part of its ‘Plan A’ roadmap to net zero.
Staff at the retailer collaborate closely with Neighbourly’s charity partners to redistribute surplus food, benefiting over 4.7 million people. More than 3,000 local charities and community organisations across the UK help distribute M&S meal donations, supporting families in need, young people, and individuals with disabilities.
Around 98% of M&S stores support a local good cause each week, with many shops partnering with at least two charities or community organisations.
Never Miss a Retail Update!In the next phase of the partnership, the retailer is piloting a new surplus food initiative that enables individual collectors to pick up donations for community redistribution. Currently rolling out to a further 50 stores, the programme has already helped M&S to distribute the equivalent of over 30,000 meals.
Lucinda Langton, head of sustainability at M&S Food, said: “This initiative not only helps tackle food waste and supports us in reaching our Plan A goals, but also makes a real difference to those who need it most.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible store colleagues, whose commitment and passion has already helped over 4.7 million people and will continue to provide even more support with the expansion of the individual collector programme.”
