The Flava People has announced an exciting partnership with the non-profit initiative Community Grocery. The objective is to raise a minimum of £30,000 to open a new Community Grocery store in Wythenshawe.
Supporting Local Communities
Community Grocery operates 22 stores across the UK, providing a vital service that bridges the gap between food banks and supermarkets. This initiative helps more than 55,000 families by reducing the cost of their weekly groceries. The new store in Wythenshawe is expected to support approximately 5,000 local families.
The Flava People, known for their expertise in sauces and seasonings, will play a crucial role in this partnership through three main activities:
‘Give-A-Shop’ Initiative:
The Flava People will donate 3p from every Flava It! sachet sold. This effort aims to raise over £45,000 in the 2024 financial year to help fund the new store.
Donations of Stock and Ingredients:
The company will contribute surplus stock, ingredients, and Flava It! sachets to existing Community Grocery stores. In 2023 alone, these donations added flavour to around 140,000 meals.
Volunteering and Expertise:
Each team member at The Flava People will be given at least two days annually to volunteer with Community Grocery. This translates to about 150 donation days per year, where team members can assist in various ways, from running cookery courses to providing guidance on warehouse management and marketing.
A Community-Centric Approach
Scott Dixon, Managing Director at The Flava People, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “There are many worthy causes out there, but we wanted to find a partnership that resonates with our local community and aligns with our mission. We aim to make a meaningful impact beyond just financial donations.”
The partnership highlights The Flava People’s commitment to supporting their community. Dixon continued: “We’re a family-run business dedicated to helping people create delicious meals. Community Grocery shares this goal by offering accessible and affordable solutions to families in need.”
Background of Community Grocery
Community Grocery was established by The Message Trust as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the first lockdown in 2020, the charity provided 60,000 meals to families in Wythenshawe. The first Community Grocery store opened in Sharston, Manchester, and the initiative has since expanded to 22 locations nationwide.
Andy Hawthorne, Founder and Global CEO of The Message Trust, commented on the significance of the partnership: “The support from The Flava People is invaluable. Their expertise and donations will greatly benefit our initiative. We are excited to see the impact this partnership will have on our operations and the families we support.”
Impact and Vision
In its first three years, Community Grocery has grown significantly, supporting over 55,000 families and saving 5,600 tonnes of food from going to landfill. The initiative also provides a range of additional services, including debt management advice, cooking classes, and job clubs.
Dixon added: “The concept of a ‘community grocer’ has become emblematic of our initiative, highlighting its role in aiding individuals facing financial hardships.” This partnership will not only aid those in need but also contribute positively to our industry and community.”
For More Information
For further details about the partnership or to get involved, visit the Community Grocery website or contact The Flava People.