This week, we asked Charlotte Merricks-Mulligan about the Fallowfield Foodshare. Charlotte is in her second year at the University of Manchester studying Sociology.
Fallowfield Foodshare encourages people in Fallowfield to help those who are less fortunate.
When is the next collection?
The food collection will be taking place in Sainsburys on Wednesday the 26th Febuary between 1-6pm. If you are doing your weekly food shop why not pick up a brown paper bag and help those in need.
Currently, collections are organised and held in the Fallowfield branch of Sainsbury’s, where shoppers can donate items of food for distribution to local homeless shelters.
How did you first get involved with the charity event?
Last year my flat mate and I were shocked at the amount of food that was thrown away when every one was moving out of halls. I think our flat alone must have dumped two bin bags full! We thought that it would be a great idea to find a way of donating non perishable goods that were not going to be eaten. The idea arose to set up our own charity, where at the end of term a food collection would take place, and donations would be given to a local shelter. However, my flat mate stumbled upon a meeting where the Foodshare was being promoted and every since then I have had an active role in a team of 10 student volunteers and members of the Ivy Church group.
The actual charity was created by the Ivy Church group headed by Nick Duffy who approached our Uni in order to get a student team to run the food collection. The group is made up of 10 students and members of the Ivy church group. I am heading the team in organising the food share event.
Where/who does the food that is collected go to?
Okay so the food!! The Foodshare supports two shelters that are situated in Fallowfield and I didn’t know either existed before I got involved in the project. One provides housing and supports local families who have found themselves homeless and are struggling to feed their children. The other is a shelter for young females our age who are homeless and dealing with difficult situations. The left over food is made into hampers and given to people living in the community who are having financial difficulties.
Do you have any other events on or big dates to listen out for this year?
The Foodshare aims to bring all members of the Fallowfield community together, particularly students, existing residents and those in poverty. In the past we have organised numerous food collections and distributed the food to shelters around Fallowfield, as well as arranging community meals. We hope to branch out further with the possibility of going to different areas and are currently looking into the idea of collecting food from Fallowfield halls before the Easter break. This can only be achieved if we all work together and pass on the message of the Foodshare. So, look out for us at your local supermarket and promoting around campus!
If any readers wanted to get involved or help out, who would be the best person to contact?
Millie.loxton@manchester.ac.uk or they could message the Fallowfield Facebook page!!
(Photo credits to Fallowfield Foodshare Facebook Page)