Sainsbury's Sedgley Park 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.

About Us: The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Strongtower Miracle Arena a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is a faith-based charity located in Manchester, UK. Since our establishment in 2010, we have been deeply committed to transforming lives through compassion, community service, and spiritual support. Our mission is to uplift vulnerable individuals and families, especially those affected by poverty, domestic abuse, and social isolation. Through our flagship initiative, **Project Haven**, we provide essential services that address food insecurity, energy poverty, and personal safety. Our Vision: Haven Project – Providing Food, Warmth, and Safety Project Haven is our community outreach initiative designed to meet the urgent needs of low-income families and vulnerable individuals across Greater Manchester. The project focuses on three core areas: 1. Food Security 2. Warm Spaces 3. Safe Spaces for Victims of Domestic Abuse These services are not just about meeting basic needs—they are about restoring dignity, building resilience, and fostering hope. 1. Tackling Food Insecurity Food poverty is a growing crisis in our communities. Many families are unable to afford nutritious meals due to the rising cost of living. Our **foodbank** is a lifeline for these households. We provide: - Weekly food parcels with fresh and non-perishable items - Emergency food support for individuals in crisis - Nutritional guidance and signposting to other support services We partner with local businesses, schools, and other foodbanks to source surplus food and reduce waste. Our goal is to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. 2. Providing Warmth During Winter The cost of energy has skyrocketed, leaving many unable to heat their homes. Our Warm Spaces initiative offers: - Heated community rooms open during the coldest months - Hot meals, drinks, and blankets - Social interaction to combat loneliness and isolation These spaces are more than just warm—they are welcoming, inclusive, and safe. They help prevent cold-related illnesses and reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services. 3. Creating Safe Spaces for Victims of Domestic Abuse Domestic violence is a silent crisis that affects many in our community. Our Safe Spaces provide: - Immediate refuge for victims fleeing abuse - Access to trained counsellors and support workers - Help with contacting family, friends, and emergency services - Referrals to long-term support and housing We work closely with local authorities, police, and victim support organisations to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response. Why Our Work Matters The cost-of-living crisis has intensified the challenges faced by vulnerable groups. Our services are more in demand than ever. We are: Feeding families who would otherwise go hungry Warming homes that would otherwise be cold Protecting lives that would otherwise be at risk Our work saves lives, promotes mental and physical well-being.

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. We want to see more people lifted out of crisis and aim for a future where none of us need to use emergency food to get by. At each of our Foodbank centres across Salford we have an advisor available to offer support and guidance including benefit checks, housing information and immigration support. Our teams of volunteers at each centre offer a warm welcome, a cup of tea and refreshments. Volunteers can also signpost visitors to other local organisations that may be able to resolve the underlying problems and empower local people to build a stable future for themselves.