allplants and Uncommon Launch the Tastiest Meal You’ll Never Eat
For some families half term marks the start of holiday joy and the freedom of no school, but for many it can be one of the bleakest periods of the year marking the start of holiday hunger for many of these children and their families.
Throughout term time, children from low-income families around the UK have the opportunity to access free school meals. However, this access is stopped throughout school holidays — resulting in 2.3 million children being at risk of going hungry. The impact holiday hunger can impose on children and their families is undoubtedly going to increase this October half term, with the continuation of the cost of living crisis, which has seen the average UK food bill rise by £454.00 a year, as inflation surrounding our groceries has hit a 14 year high.
In a bid to combat this problem, allplants — the plant-powered food brand on a mission to get more of us eating plants to help transform our planet — have teamed up with award-winning creative studio Uncommon to launch (Not at) School Dinners. allplants will be donating and delivering over 7,000 vital, nutritious allplants meals to families facing holiday hunger on their doorstep in North London this October half term, where children eligible for free school meals will be at home — with the hope to give families some comfort and support during an unsettling period.
The brand are also calling on their community to help them power up the next generation and donate meals through donations via JustGiving, so that even more allplants meals can be given to families that need them during future school holidays. For every meal donated, allplants will match this and donate an additional meal.
Says Jonathan Petrides, allplants founder and CEO: “At allplants, our mission is and has always been to change the world with plant-based eating. However, we know that not everyone has access to the food they need at all, let alone the choice of having a plant-powered meal. The government need to find a way to provide school meals over the holidays, not just during the school term. In the meantime, allplants are doing their bit by supporting schools on our doorstep in North London, to try and help with this vital issue that needs urgent attention, and a long-term solution.”
Johnny McManus, Uncommon account director, says: “Partnering with mission- driven and ambitious brands to make a difference only they can make is what we do best. Uncommon was founded on the ambition to build brands that matter — launching this powerful initiative with allplants, The Felix Project and City Harvest is exactly the type of work we get out of bed for.”
The project is backed with the support from food waste charities The Felix Project and City Harvest — to help fill the hunger gap ignored by the Government — aiding lower-income communities and families across London who are struggling with the current economic environment. Of the 7253 meals being donated, 3304 are being distributed via City Harvest and 3949 with The Felix Project, going to schools including Eastfield Primary School and Fern House School.
allplants will be distributing five different types of meals, from Aubergine Tagine to Lasagne Noci, all nutritionally balanced, containing at least two of your five a day whilst also being a great source of protein.
Marco Torquati, head of community impact, said: “We are facing unprecedented demand across the capital for our food supplies. The need is particularly acute for low income families for whom school holidays present a serious challenge. We are therefore delighted to be partnering with Allplants to provide over 3,000 vegan meals for hungry children this half-term. We hope it is something that we can continue for as long as hunger persists amongst the capital’s children.”
Charlotte Hill, The Felix Project CEO, said: “The Felix Project is thrilled to be able to play a role in this wonderful partnership. These meals will help feed hungry children with delicious food and importantly are quick and easy to cook for parents. Through our holiday food programmes we understand how vital these provisions are and the difference they make in a child’s life. Not only will they prevent hunger but ensure these children have more energy to play, learn and enjoy their time away from school.”
This act follows the brand’s new strategic platform launched earlier in the year — NEW POWER — illustrating allplant’s purpose and desire to change the world one dish at a time. This initiative will be a long-term year-on-year commitment by allplants to help families who will continue to face holiday hunger. The initiative will also be promoted across print and out-of-home sites across the UK, helping to increase awareness and encourage donations.
