Food waste from cancelled Manchester events is being turned into meals for people in need by a local not-for-profit cooking project.
Open Kitchen MCR, a catering company making use of surplus food, is stepping up its usual efforts to help those affected by social distancing and self-isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.
They have found that food waste has increased sharply with the cancellation of many events and businesses temporarily closing down.
The group said: “As of this morning we’ve got a lot of food, no catering orders, and lots of people who are going to need our help in the coming weeks and months.”
Open Kitchen is now turning the surplus food waste into healthy, microwaveable meals for anyone who is struggling.
It noted that the first people seeming to be affected were those who were currently healthy but in self-isolation because of underlying health issues that make them more at risk if infected by Covid-19.
It’s hoped that the non-profit can help others moving forwards - children who would usually get a free school meal, those in food poverty who would normally visit a food bank, and those who become ill but lack a support network to help them.
Open Kitchen said: “We are currently in contact with colleagues from Manchester and Greater Manchester authorities, the NHS, and other support organisations, and will help in any way we can with a coordinated response to support people suffering through crisis.”
As well as meals, they hope to deliver groceries to those in need.
Open Kitchen is calling out for financial donations through Paypal and for any business who may have food that will go to waste to get in touch at info@openkitchenmcr.co.uk.
They’re also recruiting for volunteer chefs and drivers - if you’re interested, you can email volunteering@openkitchenmcr.co.uk.
The team concluded by saying: “We’re all in this together. Big hugs.”
