National Food Bank Day – How Food and Drink Businesses Can Make a Difference

The first Friday of September is National Food Bank Day, a time to highlight the crucial work food banks do in tackling hunger and supporting vulnerable people in our communities. 

For the food and drink industry, this day is not just about awareness—it’s an opportunity to step up and make a lasting impact.

Why Food Banks Matter

Food banks provide emergency food parcels and essentials to families and individuals struggling to get by. With the rising cost of living, more and more people are turning to them as a vital safety net. 

In the UK, the Trussell Trust and independent food banks have seen demand increase sharply, making donations and community support more important than ever.

How Food and Drink Businesses Can Help

Food and drink businesses are uniquely placed to support food banks, both through direct action and by encouraging their customers to get involved. Here are a few practical ways:

Donate surplus stock: Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and shops can partner with local food banks to redirect unsold but safe-to-eat food. This not only helps reduce waste but also ensures food goes to people who need it most.

Organise collection points: Pubs, cafés, and restaurants can set up drop-off points for customers to donate long-life items like pasta, rice, tins, and tea.

Launch fundraising campaigns: From donating a percentage of sales on National Food Bank Day to creating special charity dishes, businesses can raise money to support local food banks.

Collaborate with suppliers: Wholesalers, breweries, and producers can also get involved by donating stock or contributing funds to joint initiatives.

Host community events: Food-focused businesses can use their space for awareness events, community meals, or fundraisers in aid of food banks.

A Shared Responsibility

For the hospitality sector, supporting food banks is about more than charity—it’s about strengthening communities and ensuring that nobody in society is left behind. At its core, food is about connection, dignity, and care. Businesses that engage with local food banks not only help fight hunger but also show their customers and communities that they truly care.

Final Thoughts

This National Food Bank Day, food and drink businesses have a unique chance to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s donating surplus stock, running a fundraiser, or raising awareness among customers, every effort counts.

After all, in a sector built on sharing food and drink, what better way to give back than by ensuring no one in the community goes hungry?

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SocialBox.Biz's Long-Standing IT Reuse Innovation Drives Increased Impact with London Companies

SocialBox.Biz, a leading London-based Community Interest Company (CIC), is reporting a strong initial response from businesses embracing its call to prioritize IT reuse over scrapping. 

The recently launched "Call SocialBox.Biz Before You Scrap It" campaign has resonated with companies which are committed to enhancing their social and environmental impact. 

"We're seeing a growing understanding among London businesses that reusing functional IT equipment delivers tangible benefits beyond traditional recycling," Peter Paduh, Founder of SocialBox.Biz, told That's Business. 

Building on over a decade of commitment to sustainable tech reuse, SocialBox.Biz reports a positive initial response from London's business community following its recent renewed call to action to prioritise donating usable IT equipment before recycling or scrapping it.

"We're seeing a growing understanding among businesses that reusing functional IT equipment with SocialBox.Biz delivers tangible benefits beyond traditional recycling methods," Peter Paduh went on to say.

By partnering with SocialBox.Biz, businesses aren't only diverting valuable resources from landfills but also reducing their Scope 3 CO₂ emissions ( reducing your supply chain carbon footprint ) – significantly cutting the environmental impact compared to recycling disposal. 

SocialBox.Biz securely wipes donated devices and upgrades them with open-source software, making them suitable for redistribution to individuals and communities in need.

The call for businesses to donate usable tech has been a core part of SocialBox.Biz's mission for over a decade. However, a recent campaign, "Call SocialBox.Biz Before You Scrap It", was launched to more actively promote this message.

The initiative is already creating positive change within the community. Through partnerships with local charities and organizations like Age UK London and C4WS, SocialBox.Biz is providing access to essential technology for:

Older adults facing digital exclusion unable to afford computer hardware or software.

Individuals experiencing homelessness moving into permanent accommodation and seeking to rebuild their lives.

Refugees integrating into British society.

The reuse of laptops and other IT equipment is proving to be a lifeline, empowering these individuals to access education, job opportunities, and stay connected with loved ones.

https://www.socialbox.biz/socialbox-biz-helping-partners-reduce-scope-3-emissions-and-increase-social-impact/

As noted in a recent case study, a laptop provided to Dean by SocialBox.Biz through another charitable partnership helped him secure employment in London.

https://www.socialbox.biz/homeless-man-finds-job-and-new-hope-with-socialbox-biz-laptop/

SocialBox.Biz is also expanding its programs, including the recently launched CompTIA+ certification initiative, which provides training and opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to enter the IT workforce.

https://www.socialbox.biz/corporate-impact/

The Call for Continued Partnership

While the initial response to the recent campaign has been positive, SocialBox.Biz emphasizes that there's still a significant amount of work to be done to truly maximize the benefits of sustainable tech reuse. The organisation continues to call on London businesses of all sizes to consider partnering with them and join the "reuse before corporate IT recycling" social and ethical innovation.

How Businesses Can Get Involved:

Businesses can engage with SocialBox.Biz by prioritising the reuse of IT equipment, donating devices through a seamless collection process that includes secure data wiping, and sponsoring initiatives like tech labs and training programmes. By participating, businesses contribute to environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

To learn more contact them here: https://www.socialbox.biz/contact-us/