Action Against’s Hunger’s restaurant fundraising campaign almost quadrupled its donations in 2021, compared with the previous year, bringing in over £400,000 for the charity.
Love Food Give Food asks customers to add £1 to their bill for charity during September and October. It raised just over £100,000 in 2020, but in 2021, the campaign raised £404,117.95.
Sushi restaurant chain Yo! joined the campaign for the first time last year, which Action Against Hunger said was one reason for its boost in donations.
“Undoubtedly, the star of this year’s campaign was Yo! partnering with Action Against Hunger for the first time, it raised an astonishing £211,000 across 54 restaurants,” the charity said.
Over 250 restaurants took part in the Love Food Give Food campaign last year. They included Mildreds, Shake Shack, Hakkasan, Cinnamon Club and D&D London.
Fluctuating Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 also contributed to the drop in donations. Action Against Hunger said: “The impact of Covid-19 has been devastating for the hospitality industry, and as an organisation that works so closely with the sector, Action Against Hunger has not been immune from the impacts of the pandemic. In 2020, as Covid-19 restrictions forced restaurants to close their doors, the annual restaurant fundraiser saw revenue fall by more than 70%.”
Action Against Hunger is a humanitarian charity that works to save the lives of malnourished children around the world. The funds raised from this campaign will go towards supporting children in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and Madagascar.
Since the pandemic increased levels of food poverty around the UK, with foodbank use surging, the charity also has said it will also be supporting malnourished children in the UK.
Charlotte Matier, director of fundraising and communications at Action Against Hunger UK, said: “Despite the many challenges the hospitality sector has faced, partners have stood by us through thick and thin. Their generosity will mean that we are able to save the lives of thousands of children battling life-threatening hunger. That is something that every chef, restaurant or food brand can be rightly proud of.
“Here is hoping that 2022 can be the year that the hospitality industry finally gets back to doing what it does best- bringing people together around the joy of food.”
Restaurants can register their interest to become part of the campaign here.
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