'Large-scale food donations' plea from hospitality industry charity

Hospitality industry charity Only A Pavement Away has called on the industry for donations of food and catering support.

Speaking to The Caterer on Thursday, founder Greg Mangham said he had been talking to many charities to see what was needed and how they would like it to be delivered. "Already a number of Only A Pavement Away employer partners have come forward to offer their support for the initiative but we're still seeking others to help where they can. Once the logistics are in place, we're confident that things will move quickly and we can make sure vulnerable people are getting the food that they need."

The charity says it is looking for "large-scale food donations" to support its homelessness initiatives which have steadily increased during the spread of coronavirus. The call comes after the charity announced it is bridging the income gap for its members who have had to stop working due to COVID-19 and are severely struggling as a result of the virus.

Mangham has urged anyone who has food that won't be used to get in touch urgently. "We're looking for immediate support in the form of sandwiches and street food, as well as large-scale catering of individual meals, to be distributed to sites across London."

Only A Pavement Away was founded in 2018 to help people experiencing homelessness on the streets, as well as ex-offenders and vulnerable veterans to find employment in the hospitality industry.

The charity has also confirmed it will cover the 20% pay gap to ensure its members will not be at risk of becoming homeless again, by launching the #paygapfund campaign via The Big Give. "We are diverting existing cash and seeking to raise additional funds to help members forced to self-isolate or facing redundancy avoid financial hardship."