Sainsbury's Manchester Oxford Rd Local

The Food Rescue Group at Manchester mobilises an active and committed network of student volunteers and community partners from across the city. Led by students from local universities, the group turns climate concern into practical action by addressing food waste at a grassroots level. Food waste is a major driver of climate change. Valuable resources such as land, water, and energy are consumed to produce food, yet large quantities are discarded and sent to landfill, where they generate methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. By rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to people who need it, the group reduces environmental harm while supporting families and individuals across Manchester. The initiative works in partnership with local producers, retailers, and food businesses to ensure surplus food is used rather than wasted. These partnerships reduce disposal costs for businesses while delivering measurable environmental benefits. In Manchester, operations are powered by students from the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, the University of Bolton, and the Royal Northern College of Music, alongside members of the Hindu community and other local groups. Together, they demonstrate how student-led action can create meaningful climate impact. Pickup and distribution in Manchester are coordinated by Haojun Shuai and Ramanujam Nagarajan, who manage volunteer schedules, oversee collections, and ensure rescued food is delivered promptly and safely. Their leadership supports efficient operations while keeping the group’s work firmly rooted in student engagement and community values. Food is collected and redistributed within 15 minutes of pickup, ensuring freshness and removing the need for storage facilities. All items are carefully inspected to meet food safety standards, and any unsuitable food is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact. Coordination is managed through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing real-time updates on collection times, locations, and quantities. Through this work, the Food Rescue Group at Manchester diverts significant volumes of food from landfill, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves valuable resources, and strengthens community connections. As the group continues to grow, it remains committed to showing how student-led climate action can drive real change, one meal, one volunteer, and one community at a time.

The food justice network MCR is an organisation of community-minded volunteers that identify surplus food in our catchment and convert it into opportunity. Whether it's the simple act of making food available for those who want or need it, or underpinning community events with a good meal - food is an irreplaceable component of community. Instagram: foodjusticenetwork_mcr

Rekindle is a bold, youth-led charity which is flipping the script on education. First opening its doors in Hulme (Manchester), Rekindle has been revolutionising the way we support and educate young people since 2022. Co-designed during the pandemic by eight young people aged between 17 and 25 who recognised that the education system is unfairly stacked against young people from working-class and global majority backgrounds, Rekindle exists to spark a love of learning in disadvantaged young people and support them to become creative critical thinkers who are inspired and empowered to create change within their communities. Starting as a small grassroots movement, we have now become a national charity with a presence in London and Dundee, and hopes to continue expanding across the UK. Our flagship supplementary school for 11-14 year olds and HQ based in Hulme has become a community hub over the years, supporting marginalised groups and offering local residents a soulful space within which they can find solidarity and a sense of belonging. We recently launched the Rekindle Pantry in March 2025, an informal foodbank which supports members of the community impacted by the cost of living crisis and rising rates of food insecurity. We aim to expand our provision and reach through partnerships with supermarkets and businesses, to ensure that the Pantry remains sustainable and continues to have a positive impact on the community. Volunteers are always welcome! From helping out during evening sessions with the young people we work with, lending a hand with the Rekindle Pantry, giving up a bit of your free time to do some gardening, DIY, or repairs, supporting us at events and so much more, there is always something to do that would make a massive difference. If you are interested in partnering or volunteering with Rekindle, please get in touch with our Community and Corporate Partnerships Lead, Cara at cara@rekindle school.org