“No One Should Have to Choose Between Food and Warmth” – FareShare Midlands Launches Big Give Campaign to Support Families Facing a Hungry Winter

As winter sets in and the cost of living continues to squeeze households across the Midlands, FareShare Midlands is launching its Big Give Christmas Challenge (2nd to 9th December), where all donations are match-funded - doubling the impact of every gift.

The charity aims to Make Spirits Bright this Christmas by raising £50,000 to provide 200,000 extra meals for people across the Midlands facing food poverty.

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest charity tackling food waste and hunger. By redistributing good-quality surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, the charity supplies hundreds of frontline organisations with nutritious food for people experiencing food insecurity.

This year, the charity is spotlighting the work of Provision House in Dudley, one of 650 local groups receiving food support. Provision House set up its ‘Food Club’ in 2022. For £5 a week, Members can choose £30 worth of food, helping families stretch their budgets while maintaining choice and dignity.

“At Provision House, the food acts as a gateway to further support,” says Ruth Rackstraw, Head of Service. “People come to our Food Club to access food for themselves or their families, but once they’re here, we can help with financial advice, housing support, furniture, and a welcoming community space.”

The Stark Reality Behind “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

“When you imagine Christmas, what do you see? Feasts with family, time together, treats under the tree?” asks Simone Connolly, CEO of FareShare Midlands. “For too many people across the Midlands, these simple joys are slipping out of reach. Our Big Give Campaign is about changing that - together.”

Provision House supports isolated older people, families with young children, people in work whose wages do not stretch far enough, and individuals facing physical or mental health challenges. For many, it provides vital food, essential items, and a sense of connection.

Across the region, parents are choosing between heating and eating, and older neighbours are facing another lonely festive season. The impact of FareShare Midlands’ food - delivered through members like Provision House - underscores the urgency.

April, who uses the Food Club, shared:

“There have been weeks where I’ve had no food. I’ve come here, cap in hand, and they’ve sorted me out with a bag full of food … They’ve saved my life.”

The Power of Charities for the Community

Provision House, like hundreds of frontline groups, relies on FareShare Midlands for consistent access to affordable, high-quality food. This stability allows organisations to offer nutritious food, dignity, choice, and wider wraparound support.

“FareShare Midlands really helps us give our members a real variety of food,” says Ruth. “With the cost of living rise, Christmas is going to be hard for so many. Our partnership with FareShare Midlands takes away that stress of providing food.”

How to Help: One Week to Double Your Impact

“No one should have to choose between a nourishing meal and a warm home,” said Simone. “But thousands of families are facing that exact choice this winter. By donating during the Big Give week, people can make a powerful, immediate difference in their own community.”

Donate here between 2nd and 9th December - and your gift will be doubled, helping FareShare Midlands keep families fed, older neighbours connected, and vulnerable people safe this winter.