Timeout Proudly Supports Food for Families’ to help bridge the poverty gap.

 At Timeout, we believe in creating meaningful change within the communities we serve. That’s why partnering with Food for Families, a charity dedicated to fighting food insecurity, was a natural fit for our values. More than just a sponsorship, our collaboration with Food for Families has made a real impact on the ground, helping to deliver essential meals and give children the start to the day they deserve.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lesley, the inspiring force behind Food for Families, to learn more about their incredible work. It was a conversation full of passion.

Food for Families was established in early 2023 to support families who, although often working, are struggling to provide healthy food for the people they love. Each week with the help of a great team of volunteers & sponsors, they cook a fresh nutritious one pot take-away’ meal for local families, which they collect discreetly from school pick-up points when they collect their children. They are currently producing 150 meals a week, supporting 35 local families and the really great thing is that by collecting and using perfectly fresh supermarket ’waste’ food, in as many ways as we can, they are tackling food waste as well as helping to bridge the poverty gap.

Lesley Maslen - Chair of Trustees

Making Dream Projects a Reality

Our relationship with Food for Families began when Janet CEO of Timeout, reached out to the charity to see how we could help. Leslie recalled that initial meeting fondly, referring to Janet as "a guardian angel" who brought compassion and action in equal measure.

When Lesley first shared the needs of the charity, Janet didn’t hesitate. Within a day, Timeout made a generous donation of £4,000 to fund urgent kitchen supplies essential for preparing meals. This was more than just a gesture; it was a lifeline for a charity working tirelessly to feed families in need.

But that was just the start. Food for Families highlighted the necessity of purchasing an extractor for their kitchen operations. True to her proactive nature, Janet made it happen without delay. "No request is too much trouble," Leslie shared during our chat, emphasising how invaluable this support has been. Janet’s approach is simple yet impactful: practical, quick, and genuine help when it’s needed most.

Monthly Support for Long-Term Impact

Beyond these one-off contributions, Timeout committed to something even bigger. For the next two years, we will fund Food for Families’ work with monthly donations, ensuring they have the resources to continue their vital mission. Leslie expressed how this financial stability empowers them to plan ahead and expand their outreach, creating a far-reaching ripple effect within the community.

Janet Lumb CEO - Timeout Homes

Transforming Mornings with the Breakfast Club

Perhaps the most heart warming initiative Timeout has supported is the “Breakfast Club”, a project Janet was especially passionate about. The idea behind it is simple yet powerful: provide local children with a protein-rich meal to start their day.

Before the Breakfast Club, some children were arriving at school with only an ice lolly as their morning meal. Imagine trying to focus and excel in class on such an empty stomach. With Timeout’s support, Lesley shared that 50 children now benefit from nutritious, protein-packed breakfasts every day. From eggs to yogurt, these meals have become a foundation for better concentration and overall well-being.

Lesley was moved as she described Janet’s involvement in the Breakfast Club’s success. "Janet waved her magic wand," she said, smiling. This magic wand, of course, is a combination of kindness, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the charity’s mission.

More Than Just a Sponsor, A Partner in Change

Throughout the partnership, Food for Families has made one thing very clear. Timeout is more than a sponsor; we’re a partner in change. Lesley’s gratitude was evident as she highlighted how Janet and Timeout’s contributions have been a game-changer. From funding important kitchen upgrades to supporting life-changing programmes like the Breakfast Club, our collaboration is proof of the tangible impact businesses can have when they engage with charitable work.

Lesley called Janet "a guardian angel," and it’s easy to see why. The support we provide is measured not just in pounds but in smiles, hope, and opportunities for children who deserve the best chance in life.

Looking Ahead

At Timeout, we’re honoured to play a role in Food for Families’ mission and are committed to growing this partnership. These small acts of kindness build to create lasting change, and Janet couldn’t be prouder of the work they've accomplished together.

Timeout’s partnership with Food for Families is tackling food insecurity and changing children's lives every day.