M&S Food and Neighbourly Achieve Milestone with 100 Million Meal Donation to UK Communities

M&S Food and Neighbourly Achieve Milestone with 100 Million Meal Donation to UK Communities

(IN BRIEF) Over the past decade, M&S Food and Neighbourly have donated surplus food equivalent to 100 million meals, supporting over 4.7 million people across the UK through more than 3,000 local charities. With nearly every M&S store actively contributing, the initiative has not only significantly reduced food waste—preventing over 49,000 tonnes of quality food from being discarded—but also helped advance the company’s Plan A target of redistributing 100% of edible surplus by 2025/26. This year marked a milestone with over 30 million meals donated, and a new individual collector programme is set to further extend the reach of these efforts.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 12-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — M&S Food, in collaboration with Neighbourly, has successfully donated surplus food equivalent to 100 million meals over the past decade, supporting over 4.7 million people through more than 3,000 local charities and community organisations. This impressive achievement underscores the commitment of M&S Food to both reducing food waste and bolstering community support across the UK.

The initiative, which began in 2015, has seen M&S Food colleagues work hand in hand with Neighbourly charity partners to ensure that surplus food from stores reaches those in need. Nearly all M&S outlets—about 98%—contribute weekly to local causes, often partnering with multiple organisations. At the Clapham Junction store, for instance, surplus food is donated to Ace of Clubs, a day centre that serves hot meals and essential services to vulnerable and homeless individuals, feeding up to 200 people daily.

This year has been particularly notable, with the partnership donating over 30 million meals—the highest volume recorded to date. The collaboration has not only prevented more than 49,000 tonnes of quality food from being wasted but has also advanced M&S Food’s goal of redistributing 100% of its edible surplus by 2025/26, as part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero.

Looking ahead, M&S Food is set to expand its efforts by piloting a new surplus food initiative. This programme allows individual collectors to directly pick up donations, a strategy aimed at stores that lack a regular charity partner. Currently being rolled out to an additional 50 stores, the initiative has already facilitated the redistribution of food equivalent to over 30,000 meals, further increasing the reach of fresh surplus food to those who need it most.

Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food, remarked,

“Since launching our partnership with Neighbourly in 2015, we’ve redistributed the equivalent of 100 million delicious meals for people and communities in need across the UK from surplus food in our stores. This initiative not only helps tackle food waste and supports us in reaching our Plan A goals, but also makes a real difference to those who need it most. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible store colleagues, whose commitment and passion has already helped over 4.7 million people and will continue to provide even more support with the expansion of the individual collector programme.”

Ben Fogle, Plan A Ambassador at M&S Food, added,

“As M&S Food’s Plan A Ambassador, I’m delighted that our partnership with Neighbourly is not only reducing food waste but also helping people. We really do our best to keep waste to a minimum, but when we have a little extra, it’s great to know it’s being shared.”

Tracey Cox, Store Manager at M&S Clapham Junction, expressed her pride in the initiative, stating,

“We are proud to support our local good causes ensuring essential food reaches those in need. Knowing that our surplus food is making a real difference in the community is truly rewarding.”

Media Contact:

M&S Corporate Press Office: +44 (0)20 8718 1919
email: corporate.press@marks-and-spencer.com

SOURCE: Marks & Spencer