give a little love
This Christmas, there are families in our community who need our help more than ever.
That’s why we’re donating £1 million to help families in need have a Christmas they’ll remember. We’ll work with our charity partners, FareShare and Home-Start, and local community groups to make sure the support reaches those who need it most.
And you can help by donating too – just click below to give what you can. Because together we can make a big difference.
HOW WE’VE MADE A DIFFERENCE
Since it launched last Christmas, our Give a Little Love campaign has raised more than £3 million to help FareShare and Home-Start support families in need. We spoke to 3 people who’ve seen the difference the donations have made
Charlene
‘MY CHILDREN LOVE IT HERE’
Home-Start Greenwich has supported Charlene, a single mother, since her first child was born in 2012. FareShare provides the centre with produce that parents can take home, as well as the food that becomes snacks and meals for visitors.
“They’ve helped me and my family out so much,” says Charlene. “We really appreciate it.” A single mother with no family support beyond a brother who lives in Scotland, she has found the centre an invaluable hub not just for food, but for childcare, advice and socialising. “I have met a few mums through here. We catch up when the kids are at school, give each other tips and advice – and the children love it here. They love the teddy bears’ picnics, the carnivals and cookery lessons in the school holidays.”
Claire
‘IT’S CHANGED THE LIVES OF OUR PARENTS’
Claire Lundie is the assistant head teacher at Chiltern Primary School in Hull, where food from FareShare is used for education as well as nourishment, and not just for the children.
“The Chat & Choose event changes the lives of our parents,” says Claire. “They come every week and get a tea or coffee before an educational event run by the school nurse. Then they choose six of the FareShare items to take home with them afterwards – it might be fresh fruit or vegetables, meat or pasta.”
Claire
“IT’S CHANGED THE LIVES OF OUR PARENTS”
Claire Lundie is the assistant head teacher at Chiltern Primary School in Hull, where food donations from FareShare are used for education as well as nourishment, and not just for the children.
“The Chat & Choose event changes the lives of our parents,” says Claire. “They come every week and get a tea or coffee before an educational event run by the school nurse. Then they choose six of the FareShare items to take home with them afterwards – it might be fresh fruit or vegetables, meat or pasta.”
Cody
“I CRIED WITH RELIEF”
Cody Blake was put in touch with Home-Start South Warwickshire when she was hospitalised due to complications during her second pregnancy. Home-Start volunteer Marie Ashford supported her with care for her three-year-old, Logan, as well as with emotional support when Cody faced an emergency C-section.
“Marie didn’t leave my side until baby Finley was safely delivered,” Cody says. “When you have a baby, you want to share the experience with someone. Facing it alone feels so lonely, so isolating. Having Marie there turned it into something positive.”
OUR CHARITY PARTNERS
FareShare redistributes surplus food from the food industry to charities and community groups across the UK – creating more than 2.5 million meals every week for vulnerable people.
Home-Start provides trained volunteers to support families with young children through challenging times – because childhood can’t wait.
More like this
Find out about Fairtrade
It guarantees growers and producers are paid a sustainable price
Support for rural communities
The Prince’s Countryside Fund receives an annual donation from the sale of Duchy Organic products
Giving back since 2005
The Waitrose Foundation supports the people who grow, pick and pack our fresh produce