Banburyshire business delivers 80,000 meals to key workers and vulnerable across the UK

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A Banburyshire business has delivered 80,000 meals to key workers and the vulnerable across the UK, including its recently launched 'The Big Feed' initiative.

Thomas Franks, a Hook Norton-based catering business, launched the ‘The Big Feed’ campaign on Thursday May 14 to provide 10,000 free meals to those in need across the country from those in London, to Birmingham, to Greater Manchester, to Edinburgh, Fife, Yorkshire, Reading and seven more regions.

They provided meals to a number of vulnerable families and charities, such as Red Cross, Exeter Food Action, the Mayor’s Fund for London and many more.

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Frank Bothwell, founder of Thomas Franks, said: “We really hope with some further support from other businesses we can continue this service for critical healthcare workers and young people in need.

"NHS staff are working tirelessly help people seriously ill with COVID-19, while vulnerable children are unable to qualify for government food vouchers during the crisis and many more cannot access supplies due to food bank closures."

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas Franks Ltd, in conjunction with The Thomas Franks Foundation, has worked to deliver meals and provide supplies to those in need through its Feeding Communities Project.

With donations and continued support from their clients and suppliers, they have provided more than 70,000 free fresh meals and food parcels to key workers and vulnerable people in since the start of the pandemic.

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After the 'The Big Feed' initiative the business has now delivered 80,000 meals and food parcels to key workers and vulnerable people in since the start of the pandemic.

Food being delivered for 'The Big Feed' organised by Thomas Franks catering based in Hook NortonFood being delivered for 'The Big Feed' organised by Thomas Franks catering based in Hook Norton
Food being delivered for 'The Big Feed' organised by Thomas Franks catering based in Hook Norton | other

Following on from the Feeding Communities project, company founder, Frank Bothwell is keen to raise awareness of the extent of food poverty in the UK and to unite supporters to help alleviate the suffering caused by food poverty.

A spokesperson from Thomas Franks said in a statement: "At Thomas Franks we are working with local food projects, food banks, family centres and meal distribution, to try reducing the number of families affected by hunger and lack of food.

"All donations and offers of support will be gratefully welcomed to make a practical and immediate difference to those affected by food poverty.

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"If you are able offer assistance or to connect us to organisations who most need our help, we would be very grateful."

Food ready for delivery with 'The Big Feed' initiative organised by Thomas Franks cateringFood ready for delivery with 'The Big Feed' initiative organised by Thomas Franks catering
Food ready for delivery with 'The Big Feed' initiative organised by Thomas Franks catering | other

The Thomas Franks Foundation is working to provide support and help to those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis.

Emma Bothwell, chair of the Thomas Franks Foundation said: "We are working hard to provide nutritious meals for those who most need our support at this time.

"Feeding children and young adults in difficult situations and food poverty is our priority and we are currently providing over 1,500 meals per day via the Kitchen Social project hubs in London.

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"With your generous support, we can continue to assist those most in need and widen our scope further."

The Big Feed by Thomas Franks (photo from Thomas Franks social media)The Big Feed by Thomas Franks (photo from Thomas Franks social media)
The Big Feed by Thomas Franks (photo from Thomas Franks social media) | other

Anyone interested in helping or making a contribution to the Thomas Franks Feeding Communities Project can do so through the following web link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1019087&pageId=1158456Mr Bothwell added: "I’d be delighted to hear from any businesses who would like to support our charitable food programme so we can ensure that it continues as long as it’s needed.”

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