ALDI SEDGLEY

We are a voluntary organisation that consists of about 40 + volunteers. We are a diverse bunch and always ready to welcome any one who would like to join us , especially if they can deliver meals to our guests on Thursdays. FoDK is a community kitchen which is recognised by Wolverhampton Council and operates out of a private home. We have also recently gained the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. Two of our volunteers went to London and all of us received the award in Birmingham. Our guests said it was nice that the work we do is seen by others as valuable. When the lockdown started we wondered how we were going to serve our guests, who used to come to a church hall for their meal. We usually served between 50-70 guests. It was decided we would deliver the food as we were no longer allowed to meet inside. In April 2020 we took out 6 meals and gave the rest to a local night shelter. We are currently (May 2025) serving 970+ guests every Thursday. We serve individuals, couples, mixed occupancy housing groups, families ,we feed over 480 children and we send a family bag of fresh produce donated by local supermarkets, mainly given by local Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury stores. When there is not always very much surplus to offer, we try to supplement with food bought via FareShare. We run entirely on donations and grants, there are no paid staff and all monies raised go on feeding those in need across our city. We would like to send out extra food bags to all our guests if we could and constantly look for partners to help us. Presently, only families with children are receiving the surplus we collect. However many individuals and couples would benefit from a little extra too. We take referrals from a variety of routes, from schools, social workers, other charities, police, or self-referral. On our website www.FODK.org you can find our contact details. We also are always on the look out for new volunteers. We are a diverse group of volunteers and welcome everyone. We need drivers with their own transport or others who will shop, collect, prepare, fundraise. We also have some work experience students from local schools and care leavers. Whatever your strengths we can use your talents. We do have a formal constitution and our own bank account and are recognised by Wolverhampton City Council as a Community Kitchen. It has been inspected and received a grade 5 Food Safety Rating. Several volunteers also have their Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene award. We were at St Andrew’s church as a place of welcome, on Mondays, this is now kept open by the church for us, 9.30-12.00 ( not Bank Holidays) Andy’s Place of Welcome runs Fridays 9.30-12.00. We are trying to bring a sense of community back, a place to meet and talk, various activities will be available and agencies such as health, education , local groups invited in to help share local information. Small steps in these continuing difficult times.

High Oak Youth and Community Centre work with people in all aspects of life. We work with people to improve their spiritual, mental and physical lives. We also work to encourage people in the community to get involved in social action and improve their local community. Our aims are to enable the community to engage in positive activities and training that will improve their local economy, their environment and give them a better chance to gain employment and an improved qualify of life. High Oak will also be working with other organisations, e.g. Cornerstone Community Church drawing on their resources and expertise. We deliver: Youth and community programmes and training. Soup kitchen and food banks Educational support Arts and music programmes. Volunteering programmes.

MLSS is a homeless charity called Midland Langar Seva Society. We provide food, support and relief to those on the poverty line, schools in deprived areas, safe houses, shelters and those living on the streets. MLSS operate on a Sikh based ethos, where we help and support all people regardless of social status. We cook and prepare hot meals 7 days a week in 26 towns across the UK. We also provide food goody bags to those that are vulnerable. - This Christmas get involved with our annual shoebox appeal - where MLSS provide the annual Christmas dinner at the Grand Central Station - Birmingham!