ALDI BEARWOOD

Armada FCs' Community Team is dedicated to tackling both food waste and food insecurity across Birmingham. Recognising the global challenge posed by food waste—where significant volumes of edible food are discarded daily—we actively work to intercept this waste and redirect it to individuals and families in need. This dual mission not only supports those facing hunger but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability. Our approach begins with food rescue. We collaborate with local supermarkets, farms, wholesalers, and suppliers to collect surplus yet edible food that would otherwise go to waste. Through scheduled collections and ad hoc donations, this food is sorted, quality-checked, and redistributed across the city. Working in partnership with food banks, schools, shelters, and community centres, we ensure nutritious food reaches vulnerable households efficiently and consistently. All food provided through our community fridge and food parcel service is distributed free of charge. In instances where partner organisations may charge small administrative fees to cover delivery logistics, the food itself remains entirely without cost. This commitment ensures equitable access to food support, removing financial barriers for those experiencing hardship. Rescued food obtained through platforms like Neighbourly plays a key role in our programmes. It supports essential meal provision and is also used in community-focused events that promote inclusion and shared learning—such as family food days, communal cooking sessions, and educational workshops on food sustainability and nutrition. We also integrate food into our wider Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service, which supports individuals facing complex life challenges including homelessness, mental health issues, domestic violence, and substance misuse. By including food provision in these tailored support packages, we help people stabilise their lives with dignity and care. Our outreach model is holistic. Beyond food, Armada FC’s community arm offers referral pathways to employment services, mental health support, and financial advice. We also run awareness campaigns on social justice issues, including menstrual poverty, providing free hygiene products through our fridge site and outreach workers. Inclusivity and dignity are at the core of everything we do. Just as Armada FC promotes diversity and fairness in sport, our community programmes champion the rights and wellbeing of every individual, regardless of their circumstances or background. This work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters. Their time, skills, and generosity enable us to run a reliable and responsive food hub that uplifts the community. Through collaboration with local businesses, agencies, and donors, we continue to build a connected, compassionate support network for all.

Formerly known as The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham, Incredible Surplus has been operating since 2014. Since then, we have redistributed over 1800 tonnes of waste food, cooked and served over 36,000 meals, helped 100 people achieve a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, and seen dozens of volunteers move on into paid employment. All this would never have been possible without our amazing bank of volunteers and without the ongoing support of our donors and partner organisations. Our volunteers intercept food and other items that would otherwise go to waste from supermarkets, restaurants and other sources and redistribute them on a “Pay-As-You-Feel” basis. We run a series of community venues on a weekly across Birmingham and Solihull. We also ‘pop up’ at other venues. Please see www.incrediblesurplus.org for more info. The food we intercept has to be fit for human consumption and therefore we do not take food that has reached its Use By date, but we can take food past its Best Before date. Alongside food donations we also receive non-food items such as toilet rolls, household items, toys, and clothes, which we can redistribute across Birmingham at regular venues and via partner organisations. Our project is for everyone and we attract a wide range of people. In the main however, we feed people who are in food poverty; this includes the homeless, refugees, single parents, people with mental health problems. What is unique with us is that anyone can access the donated items or food on a Pay As You Feel basis. All give something back in return, whether this be a cash donation, their time, or skills. This system helps to prevent stigmatisation as well as fostering an enabling approach. Our project is predominantly run by volunteers. We have just a handful pf paid staff who are paid the living wage and volunteer extra hours on top. Many of our volunteers hold level 2 Food Hygiene Certificates, and a number of our volunteers have gained skills and qualifications and now have moved onto paid work. We're always on the look out for more donors/suppliers and volunteers!

Our vision is to continue to develop the Helping Hand Community project and build it into a truly community group where everyone can be involved and make a difference. All funds will be reinvested into the project, enabling fundraising events to be held and mobile food banks to be set up in various areas.  We have built strong relationships with a variety of organisations, community groups and local hostels and shelters to ensure surplus food goes to the people in most need. Officially formed in 2023, we have been serving the community since 2018. Over the years, we have built relationships and work with fantastic organisations to help those who need it the most.