Partnership has helped many people gain access to high-quality surplus food at reduced prices
McCain Foods has celebrated the two-year anniversary of its partnership with social enterprise Community Shop Eastfield by outlining the good work that has been done over that time.
The North Yorkshire shop is fully funded by the frozen potato brand through product donations which have reached a total value of over £2.3 million since its opening in 2023.
The Eastfield store provides local residents with access to high-quality, surplus food and household goods at significantly reduced prices. These items would otherwise have gone to waste, turning potential food loss into vital community support.
The store also houses a Community Kitchen, offering low-cost wholesome hot meals, with children eating for free every day.
Revenue raised in the store is reinvested back into the local area through the store’s Community Hub, which offers personal development programmes tailored to the needs of each member. These programmes range from cookery clubs and home budgeting classes, to interview skills and business courses.
Since its opening, over 1,600 community members have engaged with the Community Hub, while over 5,900 hub courses and cookery clubs have been completed by members. The store has also supported over 7,300 people in the community, with members saving over £1.8 million on their shopping. Community Kitchen has served over 20,000 free kids’ meals
McCain is now strengthening its Community Shop partnership through the opening of a new store in Hull, which opens on 11 December. The new branch in North Bransholme will feature a Community Hub and a Community Kitchen, including a cafe serving home-cooked meals where children can eat for free every day. The initiative is set to create 12 new jobs for local people.
Beyond its work with Community Shop, McCain pointed out that it actively supports communities through several impactful initiatives, including donating over three million meals to FareShare since 2013.
Jillian Moffatt, regional president GB&I at McCain, added: “McCain has called Eastfield home for over 50 years, and it’s a privilege to support an initiative like Community Shop that in only two years has helped over 7,300 people, served more than 20,000 free kids’ meals, and saved the community over £1.8mn.
“The impact of the store, hub, and kitchen speaks volumes, and we’re delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Community Shop through the opening of the new store in Hull next month.”
Gary Stott, executive chairman at Community Shop, added: “McCain’s support for Community Shop Eastfield is helping make a significant positive difference to local people and the wider community. Its continued commitment to provide surplus products means we’re also able to bring a new Community Shop to North Bransholme, and extend the support we offer through our Store, Hub and Kitchen, helping people to develop their own capabilities and deliver a positive future for themselves.”
