As the festive season approaches, Marks & Spencer is spreading holiday cheer in a big way, announcing a generous donation of 100,000 Christmas dinners to families in need.

This initiative, in partnership with long-time suppliers 2 Sisters Food Group (2SFG) and Valeo Foods Group, aims to provide essential holiday meals to those who may otherwise struggle to celebrate.

The donation includes 240,000 servings of vegetables from M&S’s popular Christmas lines, ensuring that families can enjoy a well-rounded meal. The carefully curated offerings include festive favourites such as roast potatoes, roast parsnips, carrot & swede crush, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower cheese, all prepared at the 2SFG site in Carlisle.

In addition, 100,000 servings of turkey crowns have been donated by Bernard Matthews, and 1,800 pots of Bisto Turkey gravy granules will be provided by Premier Foods, through 2 Sisters Food Group. And to top off the holiday meal, 100,000 Matthew Walker Christmas Puddings, courtesy of Valeo Foods Group, will be included to ensure that families receive a complete and festive dining experience.

Serving the community

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director at M&S Food said, “At M&S, we are committed to doing the right thing for the people and communities we serve. I’m delighted that this year, in partnership with our suppliers, we’re helping families in need by providing 100,000 Christmas dinners in time for the big day, through our ongoing work supporting FareShare.”

FareShare, the charity responsible for distributing these meals, will collect the food on 20 December. It will then be delivered to local charities across the UK, including community centres, homelessness charities, lunch clubs and youth centres. Over three-quarters of the charities FareShare supports are dedicated to helping children and families, meaning this donation will provide crucial support for many who might otherwise go without this Christmas.

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO of FareShare, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “We are enormously grateful to M&S, 2 Sisters Food Group, and Valeo Foods Group for joining forces to help deliver 100,000 meals for people in need over the festive period,” he said. “

“At this time of year food brings people together through charities, who offer warmth and connection during the winter months, strengthening communities across the UK. The collaborative effort created by the Coronation Food Project has set a great example for how working together in partnership can make a huge difference in helping support those in need, changing lives and even bringing some festive cheer.”

Broader commitment to food redistribution

This donation is part of M&S’s broader commitment to food redistribution, which also includes its ongoing partnership with Neighbourly. Over the past seven years, M&S has donated more than 70 million products to local charities and community organisations. This year, the retailer further supported Neighbourly’s GoGive campaign by donating £20,000 to help local charities purchase additional fridges and freezers, enabling them to distribute more fresh surplus food.

M&S is also marking its 20-year partnership with Shelter, donating 5 percent of sales from the Christmas Food On The Move range to the charity. The funds will support Shelter’s emergency helpline, providing vital assistance to those facing housing crises and homelessness.