Labour MP Hilary Benn has praised the work of ReThink Food after visiting its base in Holbeck, highlighting the organisation’s efforts to tackle food insecurity, reduce waste and support families across Leeds.
Benn met staff at ReThink Food and heard about its work with schools, community groups and families, including programmes designed to ensure children have reliable access to nutritious food.
He said:
“Great to visit Re-Think in Holbeck yesterday to meet the team and hear about the vital work they’re doing to tackle food poverty.”
Benn also thanked LNER for supporting the organisation through a donation.
Supporting children and families
ReThink Food began after teachers saw first-hand how hunger was affecting children’s learning, wellbeing and opportunities.
The organisation has since expanded its work across the country, combining food support with education around healthy eating, sustainability and reducing waste.
A central part of its work is the National School Pantry Network, which provides funding, training and support to schools in disadvantaged communities so they can operate stigma-free food pantries for families.
ReThink Food says its aim is to ensure that no child’s future is limited by hunger.
Businesses helping tackle food insecurity
The organisation also works closely with companies to redistribute surplus food and fund community programmes.
Its corporate partnerships have helped thousands of families access surplus food, while supporting schools and community organisations across Leeds and Bradford.
Earlier this month, ReThink Food announced new backing from Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief to expand the National School Pantry Network and enable more schools to respond to food insecurity.
Benn thanks ReThink Food team
Benn’s visit comes as household budgets continue to put pressure on families and community organisations working to support them.
ReThink Food’s approach seeks to address both the immediate need for food and the longer-term issues surrounding nutrition, education and sustainability.
For Benn, the visit was an opportunity to recognise the practical work being done in Leeds to tackle food poverty — and to thank the organisations, volunteers and businesses helping ensure surplus food reaches families who need it rather than going to waste.
