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Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has increased its annual grant to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, by 43 per cent, to £50,000.
A partner to SSAFA since 2008, the total funding donated to date stands at £500,000.
The annual donation supports the charity’s Homelessness Fund, enabling SSAFA to continue its life-changing work for a further 12 months.
Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has provided funding for the urgent welfare provision to those most in need from the Armed Forces community, particularly veterans and their families across all three services. The Foundation’s support has enabled the rapid delivery of financial assistance, help with the purchase of white goods, and distributing emergency food supplies.
The financial support given to SSAFA has enabled the UK’s oldest tri-service charity to help serving personnel, veterans, and their families with support when, where, and how they need it. Grants from the fund are also a vital resource for volunteer caseworkers to find a swift resolution to urgent cases.
As an early signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Sodexo is committed to the continual support in the employment of ex-armed forces personnel and their families as well as those employees who are members of the Reserves.
Paul Anstey, CEO Sodexo Government UK&I, said: “We are proud that our annual grant enables SSAFA to continue to support veterans experiencing homelessness and those in most need within the Armed Forces community.
“Our support goes beyond financial donations, our colleagues regularly volunteer to support SSAFA’s projects such as its mentor scheme and many fundraising activities allowing Sodexo and our people to make difference to the Armed Forces Community.”
Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, said: “SSAFA is delighted to maintain its long-standing relationship with the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, a relationship that makes a real and practical difference to those in our Armed Forces community who need support.
“And that help from Sodexo and the foundation, which provides financial assistance to SSAFA, is as vital today as it has ever been. Perhaps, sadly, it is more vital now.
“Our Forcesline team of support workers are reporting a change in the tone of calls received since the cost-of-living crisis began to bite last year, with callers demonstrating increased levels of anxiety and stress, and – worryingly – deteriorating levels of mental health.
“This is a situation that is not going to end or even improve soon, but with the four-square support of Sodexo for our military community – from WWII veterans to more recent conflicts – SSAFA will continue to provide compassionate and real help whenever, wherever, and however needed just as it has for 138 years.”
Sodexo is the founding partner of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. In the UK & Ireland, the Foundation’s (a UK registered charity) mission is to act sustainably to fight food insecurity and complement Sodexo’s Social Impact pledge.
Working with national and local charity partners Sodexo Stop Hunger unites and mobilises changemakers engaging its employees in a wide range of volunteering opportunities. The Foundation’s work goes beyond immediate food aid activities, it is focused on changing lives by addressing the root causes of food insecurity with a focus on women empowerment.
The Foundation’s work contributes to Sodexo’s global corporate responsibility commitment, Better Tomorrow 2025 which aligns to the Sustainable Development Goals designed by the UN to make the world a fairer and more equal place.
