Sainsbury's Selly Oak New

FoodCycle runs volunteer-powered community projects across the UK – all working to reduce food poverty and social isolation by serving tasty, nutritious meals to vulnerable people. Since we started cooking in May 2009, our incredible volunteers have served over 125,000 meals made using over 146,000kg of surplus food – the equivalent saving of 657,000kg CO2 emissions.

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.

Matty’s Place is registered limited company formed to provide self sufficient accommodation for vulnerable groups with a focus on the homeless. Each placement will be supported with additional care and support for the service user to meet their individual needs. Aimed at vulnerable adults aged 18 and over, Matty’s place will actively support and promote community cohesion and well-being through education and training. Matty’s Place plans to offer dynamic, unique and constantly evolving programs and services that will benefit service users in a productive way to empower independent living and social inclusion. Matty’s Place Limited is projecting to have 30 fully furbished properties accommodated by the end of 2020. At present we have ten properties accommodated through alternative housing schemes. A further five are available to be let immediately and access to at least fifteen more by the end of the year has been agreed subject to terms. Matty’s Place has direct links with letting agents and landlords willing to use investment property towards our social housing mission. With access to a large number of private rented properties, Matty’s Place is in a fine position to deliver a much needed service where the demand is increasingly high. Surplus donations from stores such as Aldi and Lidl can prove to be very valuable to us as we are supporting over 120 service users and they are always in need of supplies due to their unfortunate circumstances.