Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation Supports SE Kitchen in Opening Second Social Supermarket
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation has provided essential funding to SE Kitchen, a part of Social Enterprise Kent, to assist in the opening of the community interest company’s second social supermarket in central Ashford, Kent. This initiative aims to introduce affordable and nutritious shopping options for the local community.
SE Kitchen offers a range of healthy and budget-friendly choices, including their popular £1 fruit and veg bag, making fresh produce accessible to all. The social supermarket operates on a no-questions-asked policy, providing support to individuals facing temporary financial pressures or in need of extra assistance.
Patrick Forbes, Chair of Trustees for the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting SE Kitchen in this endeavor. He noted that social supermarkets offer an alternative for individuals who require food assistance but do not qualify for food banks. The financial support from Sodexo will positively impact the lives of more than 28,000 families in Ashford, offering not only low-cost food but also social support and connection. This initiative addresses the systemic causes of poverty, making it a crucial model for community support and sustainability.
Sodexo’s volunteering policy allows employees to take three paid volunteer days each year to support those in need within their communities. Colleagues in the Ashford area will have the opportunity to volunteer at the social supermarket.
In addition to providing affordable food options, SE Kitchen is dedicated to reducing food waste by redistributing surplus items and near sell-by-date stock. This sustainable measure ensures that more individuals can benefit from quality food choices.
SE Kitchen also offers a comprehensive wrap-around support service designed to address the root causes of food poverty. Community members can access guidance on budgeting, digital skills, job searching, CV support, and benefits checking. These services are aimed at empowering individuals to achieve financial stability and long-term independence, ultimately boosting overall health and well-being.
Rebecca Smith, CEO of Social Enterprise Kent, highlighted the mission of SE Kitchen to make nutritious food accessible to everyone, especially during challenging times. The support from Sodexo and the Stop Hunger Foundation enables SE Kitchen to create a space where affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity are prioritized. Any profits generated by the social enterprise are reinvested back into the community, ensuring a sustainable impact.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. Initially focused on providing food aid to communities in need, the Foundation has evolved to address the underlying causes of food insecurity, with a particular emphasis on empowering women to drive change.
In the past year, the Foundation supported 2.8 million individuals by redistributing over 160,000 meals and allocating 56% of its funding to projects addressing the root causes of food insecurity. The Foundation collaborates with 106 charities through fundraising, volunteering, grant-giving, and partnerships, strengthening organizations and benefitting their beneficiaries.
The partnership between Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation and SE Kitchen exemplifies a commitment to community support, sustainability, and addressing the systemic issues behind food poverty. By providing affordable food options, support services, and volunteer opportunities, this collaboration aims to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in Ashford and beyond.
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