KFC has partnered with food charity, FareShare, to help combat the devastating food poverty crisis, pledging to deliver 12 million meals to those in need from its 1,000 restaurants across the UK.
Since we can remember, KFC has been there for us when we've needed some food on the go or just a comforting meal with family and friends. But thanks to the current economic climate, there are more people than ever who are struggling to afford the basics.
Milk, meat, fruit and veg - no matter where you shop, food costs more than ever. And these soaring food prices are forcing millions of people into food insecurity.
Currently, 9.3 million adults and 4 million children have no reliable access to affordable food, and young adults are some that have been hit the hardest.
People are finding it so tough to get by because both the cost of living crisis and energy crisis are happening at the same time. It means many people are unfortunately having to choose between paying bills and feeding themselves. And things only get worse during the summer holidays as many families rely on free school meals to provide food to their children throughout the year.
According to government data from January 2023, almost 17% of people had eaten less or skipped meals, 11% had not eaten when they were hungry, and over 6% had gone a whole day without eating.
No, this isn’t a dystopian episode of Black Mirror, this is happening right here in the UK. And without people stepping up to help, it’s only going to get worse.
Fortunately, KFC and FareShare have committed to delivering the equivalent of 12 million meals to people in the community by 2024 - and together they have already provided the equivalent of 250,000 meals.
This partnership means that millions of struggling households in communities will be able to have a delicious hot meal.
KFC will be supplying leftover Chicken to FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste, to distribute to various charities and community groups throughout the UK.
There is often a lot of stigma attached to people experiencing food poverty, but this partnership means that more households across the UK will be able to enjoy a hot meal. To have such a universally known brand pledge to help is a massive step in the right direction. Because everyone deserves access to food.
We’re not saying KFC can solve food poverty by themselves. But it’s a start.
And, it’s just the latest phase of KFC’s long-term plan to help rebuild communities and empower the youth in the UK.
The champions of chicken also aim to make a third of its workers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and continues to give back through the KFC Foundation.
Since its 2015 launch, the KFC Foundation has paid out grants totalling £5 million to its charity partners who are passionate about developing and nurturing young people across the country.
Despite the fact that 50% of the UK population has only 9% of Britain’s collective wealth, it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together and that help is available. You can contact Citizen’s Advice for information about how to get a referral to use your closest food bank.
Hopefully more restaurants and food suppliers will follow KFC’s example to support people through these turbulent times.
If you’d like to find out more about the important work FareShare does or to discover how you can help those experiencing food poverty, visit www.fareshare.org.uk
You can also find out more about the KFC Foundation here.
Featured Image Credit: KFC UK & IrelandTopics: KFC, Food And Drink