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Menu for Change Greater Manchester is a partnership project between Open Kitchen, Marketing Manchester, and the Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund, uniting our passion for sustainable events with our commitment to supporting our communities. 

Menu for Change offers our event customers and commercial partners a range of ways to support access to dignified, more secure, healthier and more sustainable food for all of our citizens across Greater  Manchester. 

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The Problem

Over a third of Greater Manchester households worry about affording food. In Manchester and Oldham, child poverty rates are among the highest in England (45% and 44%, respectively). Demand for food banks has skyrocketed, yet donations are declining, leaving charities struggling to keep up.

At the same time, the UK wastes over 10 million tonnes of food annually. Food waste isn’t just a missed meal, it’s a major environmental crisis, contributing to 30% of global carbon emissions.

Why Food Waste isn't the Solution to Food Poverty

Some argue that redistributing surplus food solves food poverty. It doesn’t.

  • Food waste is an environmental problem: we need to prevent waste at the source, not just redistribute leftovers.

  • Food poverty is an economic problem: people shouldn’t have to rely on surplus, often ultra-processed, nutritionally poor food to survive.

 

We believe communities deserve secure access to fresh, nutritious, and sustainable food, not just what supermarkets couldn’t sell.

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Our Solution: Menu for Change Greater Manchester

Open Kitchen is taking action. Menu for Change Greater Manchester supports communities in two ways:

  1. Better food now:  We supply community organisations with healthier, more sustainable products, moving beyond food waste to quality nutrition.

  2. A food-secure future:  We fund shared community growing projects, helping people grow their own fresh, local, nutritious produce.

How your business can help!

Your support can make a real difference. Partner with us to:

✅ Fund sustainable food solutions for those who

need them most.

✅ Support long-term food security through local

growing projects.

✅ Tackle food waste at its root, rather than relying

on redistribution.

Let’s move beyond sticking plasters and create lasting change. 

How Menu for Change Works

Every event and every company is different, so we offer flexible ways to support Menu for Change Greater Manchester. No matter which option you choose, we’ll provide clear, engaging event materials to explain your impact and encourage a positive response from guests.

Your Menu for Change Options

1: Extras to Essentials - Cut waste, create impact

Events often mean over-ordering—extra pastries, mid-afternoon cakes, surplus variety at lunch. These good intentions often lead to food waste, increasing your event’s carbon footprint.

💡 Instead, redirect that budget to fund healthy, nutritious food for communities in need. Simply remove an item you know tends to go to waste (we see afternoon cakes most often!) and donate the equivalent cost.

✅ We provide event signage explaining the decision, ensuring guests understand and appreciate the choice.


✅ Optional: For a small fee, we can co-brand materials with your logo and social media tags to showcase your commitment.

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2. The 4th Course (or 3rd, or 5th!) – Add a Virtual Course for Good

If your catering is already well-planned with minimal waste, you can still contribute by adding a theoretical extra course to your menu.

💡 This symbolic gesture allows your guests to see that your organisation is committed to zero waste and local food security.

✅ We provide event signage or menus to explain the impact.


✅ Optional: Co-branded materials to enhance your CSR communications.

3. Round-Up for Change – Small Rounding, Big Impact

Simply round up your catering bill (per person or total) to the nearest whole number and donate the extra to Menu for Change Greater Manchester.

💡 It’s a seamless way to make a difference without changing your catering plans.

✅ We provide event signage to highlight your impact.


✅ Optional: Co-branded materials to boost your visibility.

4. Direct Donation – Support Anytime

Not hosting an event but love what we do? Make a one-off or recurring donation to Menu for Change Greater Manchester.

💡 If linked to an event, we provide event signage so guests understand your impact. If not, we can supply social media graphics and other materials so you can proudly share your support.

✅ Showcase your company’s values in a meaningful way.

Bonus Option: Attendee Top Ups – Multiply Your Impact

Want to engage your guests in giving? Encourage them to chip in and boost your donation!

💡 We’ll provide event boards with a QR code, allowing attendees to securely donate small amounts via PayPal Donate—quick, seamless, and hassle-free.

✅ A simple way to involve guests and amplify your impact.


✅ Works alongside any other Menu for Change option.

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Where Your Money Goes

Funds raised through Menu for Change Greater Manchester support two vital initiatives. You choose where your donation makes an impact.​

1. Building a Sustainable, Healthy Future 🌱

Support long-term food security by funding community growing projects through the Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund.

💡 These projects aren’t about poverty, they’re about bringing communities together to:


✅ Grow fresh, hyper-local, sustainable produce
✅ Improve diets and access to nutritious food
✅ Reduce social isolation and boost mental health
✅ Enhance air quality and local green spaces

A true grassroots solution for a healthier, more connected future.

2. Providing Better Food Now 🍎

Right now, many community food providers (food banks, pantries, social supermarkets) rely on surplus retail food—often processed, nutritionally poor, and lacking fresh options.

💡 Your donation helps source and deliver:


✅ Healthier, more sustainable food for communities
✅ Fresh, culturally appropriate options for diverse diets
✅ Better choices for children and vulnerable groups

This isn’t just about enough food—it’s about better food.

Be Part of the Solution!

Choose the impact that aligns with your values, and let’s build a healthier, more sustainable future together.

Get in touch 👇

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EMAIL

BOOKINGS@

OPENKITCHENMCR.CO.UK

CLICK HERE TO

CALL

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