Today, on World Food Day, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation released its 2024 annual report, highlighting the impact of its initiatives on over 2.8 million individuals across the UK and Ireland.
World Food Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about food insecurity and to encourage actions toward a better food future for everyone—a mission that aligns with Sodexo and the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.
As of June 2024, nearly 10 million people in the UK faced food insecurity, according to the Food Foundation. Throughout the past year, the Foundation has included supporting 2.8 million individuals, redistributing over 160,000 meals, and allocating 56% of its funding to tackle the root causes of food insecurity.
Founded in 2005, the foundation originally focused on immediate food aid but has since expanded its efforts to address the underlying issues of food insecurity, particularly advocating for women’s empowerment to drive change.
The Foundation achieves its mission through four key actions:
- Fundraising
- Volunteering
- Grant-giving
- Building partnerships
Collaborating with 106 charities, Sodexo UK & Ireland, and over 390 clients and suppliers, it supports both national organizations like FareShare and The Trussell Trust and local initiatives such as community farm CoFarm.
Through grants and volunteer efforts—totaling over 11,400 hours in the year ending August 31, 2024—the Foundation aids its partners by redistributing surplus food, providing vegan meals, and supporting local produce donations. It also empowers disadvantaged communities via cooking skill workshops, family food vouchers, and projects aimed at building confidence, assisting refugees, addressing homelessness, and funding education for women and youth.
Gareth John, Chair of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and European Director of Sodexo Legal Affairs, stated, “This year’s report illustrates the profound impact of our collective efforts—whether through time, resources, or donations—transforming the lives of over 2.8 million people. We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved over the past 20 years, but our work is far from finished. As a purpose-driven organization, we remain committed to empowering others, both within and outside the business, to drive progress and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and lead a better life."
The 2024 Sodexo Stop Hunger report, covering the activities from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, showcases the Foundation’s achievements and shares transformative stories. A copy of the report is available here.
One highlighted impact is the partnership with Chapter One, part of Sodexo’s Parents & Carers Network. Chapter One aims to enhance educational outcomes, which in turn addresses a key factor of food insecurity. Over the last three years, the Foundation’s collaboration has grown from aiding 10 children to over 100 children in meeting reading standards. Furthermore, a Sodexo employee authored a story through a competition, now featured on Chapter One’s platform which reaches 4,700 children.
Emma Bell, CEO of Chapter One, remarked, “It’s been an absolute delight working with Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, Jean Renton, Chief Finance Officer at Sodexo UK & Ireland, and the Sodexo Parents & Carers Network on the story competition. We appreciate their engagement, inspiration, and how they involved young people in every aspect of the contest. Huge congratulations to everyone involved – we are proud to share the story with the world on the Chapter One Global Free Library.”
Sodexo is the founding partner of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, a registered charity in the UK. The Foundation’s mission is to act sustainably against food insecurity, complementing Sodexo’s Social Impact strategy.
Thanks to Sodexo’s financial support, 100% of donations made to Stop Hunger directly fund activities and sustainable solutions for disadvantaged communities to overcome food insecurity.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation will celebrate its 20th anniversary. As it reflects on two decades of making a difference, the Foundation remains dedicated to its mission of combating food insecurity and envisioning a better future.
