Podcast Summary
Exploring LinkedIn's Value for Hiring and Childhood Hunger in the UK: LinkedIn is a crucial platform for hiring professionals, reaching 70% of users not found on other job sites. Meanwhile, charities like Fairshare and Magic Breakfast tackle childhood hunger in the UK, impacting 1 in 8 people and addressing stigma and involvement.
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, including those who aren't actively seeking new jobs. With over 70% of LinkedIn users not visiting other leading job sites, businesses risk missing out on great candidates by not utilizing LinkedIn for their hiring needs. Meanwhile, in a different context, another pressing issue discussed was childhood hunger and food insecurity in the UK. The Doctor's Kitchen podcast highlighted the staggering statistic that 1 in 8 people in the UK experience food insecurity. Two charities, Fairshare and Magic Breakfast, were featured for their efforts to tackle this issue. Alison Walsh from Fairshare shared her background in the food and retail sector and how she's bringing her industry knowledge to the charity. She and other guests discussed the scale of the problem, the stigma surrounding food insecurity, and ways to get involved and make a difference.
From Commercial to Charity: Utilizing Skills for Social Impact: Transitioning from commercial work to a charitable role can provide new opportunities for social impact and the chance to utilize skills in a meaningful way.
The commercial skills gained in the food industry can be effectively utilized in a charitable organization like Fairshare. The speaker, who has spent 25 years in marketing, sales, and communications in various food-related organizations, found her passion for food justice and the opportunity to reduce food waste at Fairshare. She believes that the similarities in communication and asking for support or donations make her role as commercial director a perfect fit. The speaker emphasizes that charitable work should not be seen as a step down but as an opportunity to contribute significantly to society. She shares her experience of witnessing surplus food in large commercial operations and the potential for turning it into social good. The speaker's transition from a commercial role to a charitable one is an example of utilizing resources in a different way and spotting an untapped opportunity for social impact.
Exploring Purpose and Mission in Career: Staying aware of opportunities and conscious of personal goals can lead to discovering a fulfilling career through a journey of service and purpose.
Having a clear sense of purpose and mission in life can lead to a fulfilling and interconnected career. The speaker shared their personal journey, which started in the retail industry with shampoo companies, then moved to a cancer charity, wine industry, food industry, and high retail. Throughout this journey, they consistently volunteered for charities and became politically and socially active. They mentioned that their desire for purpose and mission grew stronger during their teenage years and university years. At certain points in their career, they felt the need to reevaluate their purpose and sought guidance through coaching and mentoring. They discovered that being of service was a key aspect of their personal and professional goals. The speaker also mentioned the importance of staying aware of opportunities and being conscious of what one is looking for in life. They believe that this consciousness can lead to discovering new opportunities and fulfilling one's goals.
Seeking guidance and support for personal growth: Coaching, mentoring, and group work offer new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and provide accountability in achieving goals. Ask for help and step out of the mindset of trying to find solutions alone.
Having a support system, whether it's through coaching, mentoring, or group work, can help individuals gain new perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and provide accountability in achieving their goals. The speaker shared her personal experience of finding value in coaching and mentoring, which helped her break free from preconceived notions and offered an unbiased sounding board. She also mentioned the benefits of using platforms like Clubhouse for audio-based discussions and learning from others. The speaker emphasized the importance of asking for help when needed and stepping out of the mindset of trying to find solutions on one's own. Overall, she highlighted the value of seeking guidance and support to enhance personal growth and development.
The pandemic brought food insecurity into the spotlight: Millions struggle with food insecurity, stigma keeps it hidden, pandemic highlighted the need for greater awareness and support
Food insecurity and poverty have long been hidden issues in our communities, but the pandemic has brought them into the spotlight. Millions of families in the UK struggle with not having enough food, and this issue is often kept hidden due to stigma. The awareness of food insecurity is slowly becoming more acceptable to talk about, similar to how mental health has become more discussed in recent years. However, the nature of employment and budgeting in today's society makes it harder for individuals to absorb unexpected expenses, pushing them into difficult decisions between food or other necessities. The pandemic has highlighted the need for greater awareness and support for those facing food insecurity.
Food insecurity: More than just economic instability: Food insecurity impacts 1 in 8 people, affecting their ability to access nutritious food due to societal issues and personal vulnerabilities, not just economic instability.
Food insecurity is a complex issue affecting 1 in 8 people in various ways, beyond just economic instability. It can mean skipping meals, reducing food intake, or struggling to afford nutritious food. Drivers of food insecurity are multifaceted, including societal issues like domestic violence, addiction, loss, and mental health. Economic factors are also significant, but the "frailties of life" can make food accessibility a challenge. Even in the healthcare system, food plays a role in social connections and mental health, with lunch clubs and GP appointments providing companionship and reducing isolation. Food insecurity is a pressing issue that requires addressing the root causes, from economic instability to societal challenges and personal vulnerabilities.
Turning surplus food into social good: FARESHARE reduces food waste by distributing surplus food to charities, providing meals and social connections for over a million people weekly
Food is more than just nutrition; it's a connector and a source of social support. The organization FARESHARE, which has been operating for over 26 years, started as a way to reduce food waste in the UK by turning surplus food into social good. FARESHARE works by collecting surplus food from various stages of the food industry and distributing it to local charities, who then use it to provide meals and support their communities. This not only helps to reduce food waste but also ensures that those in need have access to nutritious meals and valuable social connections. The importance of social connections in promoting health and well-being, particularly for elderly individuals, cannot be overstated. By providing food and opportunities for social interaction, FARESHARE is making a significant impact on the lives of over a million people every week. Food is truly a connector, and FARESHARE is a prime example of how it can be used to bring people together and make a positive difference in their lives.
Redistributing excess food with local knowledge: FairShare's social franchise model uses local knowledge to effectively redistribute excess food, providing employment opportunities and reducing food waste.
FairShare, an organization that redistributes excess food to charities and community groups, is unique in its approach by tapping into local knowledge and allowing those with deep understanding of their areas to redistribute food in the most appropriate way. This social franchise model not only focuses on food redistribution but also provides opportunities for employment and skill-building. In the UK, about a third of the food produced goes to waste, equating to around 650 million meals per year. FairShare and similar organizations are currently redistributing only a small percentage of this food, with the majority being available at the farm level. To reach a significant impact, there are challenges to overcome, including the cost of transporting and processing food, and the need for government support, as seen in France, which redistributes ten times more food than FairShare. The ultimate goal is to do much more and make a meaningful dent in food waste.
Redistributing the Right Types and Quantities of Food: FairShare in the UK prioritizes efficiency and redistributes food that matches eat well plate guidelines. Collaboration and learning among charities can lead to more effective solutions. FairShare supports charities with better storage and planning to reduce food waste and increase distribution.
While the goal is to reduce food waste and ensure that no good food goes to waste, the focus is not on redistributing all food but rather on the right types and quantities. FairShare in the UK is a great example of this, as they prioritize efficiency in moving food through their system and redistributing food that matches the eat well plate guidelines. However, there is fragmentation among charities doing similar work, and collaboration and learning from each other could lead to more effective solutions. FairShare is exploring ways to support charities by providing them with better storage facilities and enabling them to plan how they use the food, ultimately leading to more food being distributed and less going to waste. The goal is to find common ground and centralize efforts while allowing for local adaptation.
Volunteers Power Fairshare's Food Redistribution Efforts: Fairshare reduces food waste by relying on volunteers to process and distribute surplus food to charities, while also providing opportunities for skill-building and community engagement.
Fairshare is a food redistribution organization that relies heavily on volunteers to help process and distribute surplus food to charities across the UK. From the moment surplus food arrives at their warehouses, volunteers break it down, organize it, and ensure it gets to the right charities. Fairshare's system tracks and logs all food, allowing for efficient recalls and allergen management. Volunteers not only help with the logistical aspects but also add value by mentoring younger volunteers and reducing food waste. With a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, Fairshare aims to keep costs low, making it an excellent place for those looking to make a difference in their community and help reduce food waste. Fairshare's operations also provide an opportunity for volunteers to gain experience and learn new skills. Overall, Fairshare's model demonstrates the power of community involvement and collaboration in addressing food waste and hunger.
Learning from industry partnerships for greater impact: Effective collaborations between charities and industries can lead to significant improvements in reducing food waste and increasing social good.
Effective partnerships and knowledge sharing between sectors can lead to significant improvements in reducing food waste and increasing social good. Fair Share, an emerging charity, has learned valuable lessons from the food industry through collaborations and relationships. These insights have led to minor efficiencies that have resulted in grand impacts on their outreach. Fair Share's goal is to double or even triple their capacity in the next five years, with the long-term aspiration of having government support similar to France's, which would allow them to access more surplus food. While they are currently relying on industry partnerships, they are in ongoing conversations with the government and have demonstrated the potential impact of their work. The public can stay informed and engaged in these efforts, and if necessary, help put pressure on the government for change.
Emily's experiences as a teacher in a deprived area: Lack of basic needs hinders children's learning, and teachers need better resources to support them.
The experiences of Emily and her background as a primary school teacher in a deprived area highlighted the challenges children face when they're not prepared to learn due to lack of basic needs like proper food and shoes. The educational system didn't equip her with the knowledge and understanding to help these children effectively, leaving her feeling helpless despite her best efforts to empathize and provide support. Magic Breakfast, an organization they will discuss further, could have been a valuable resource in addressing these issues and providing both children and teachers with the necessary tools to overcome the obstacles faced in underprivileged communities.
Addressing Hunger and Dental Health Issues in Schools: Many schools face issues of hunger and dental health affecting children's learning. Charities like Magic Breakfast aim to tackle hunger by providing breakfast for students, allowing them to focus on their education.
While schools are making great strides in education, there are often overlooked issues that can significantly impact a child's ability to learn. Hunger and dental health are two such issues. Many schools have teachers using their own resources to provide breakfast for hungry students and thousands of children undergo dental procedures under general anaesthesia each year. Alisa's personal experience of volunteering at breakfast clubs as a child and later realizing the importance of addressing hunger in children led her to work for Magic Breakfast. The charity, founded 20 years ago, started when a researcher discovered teachers spending their own money on breakfast for hungry students. Magic Breakfast has since grown to work in approximately 1000 schools nationwide, providing food for children to help them start their day and focus on learning.
Providing non-stigmatizing breakfast for children in need: Magic Breakfast, a UK charity, aims to combat childhood hunger by delivering healthy breakfasts to schools to help children focus on learning and reach their potential, addressing the gap in free school meal provisions and reducing stigma.
Magic Breakfast is a charity that focuses on providing healthy breakfast food to schools in a non-stigmatizing way to ensure children, especially those at risk of hunger, start their day well-nourished. The program began with a response to the gap in breakfast provisions, especially since free school meal provisions only exist for lunch. The issue of childhood hunger in the UK is widespread, with about 14% of families with children experiencing food insecurity, affecting around 2.3 million children. The pandemic has worsened this issue, with nearly a million more children signing up for free school meals. Magic Breakfast delivers provisions in a gracious way to avoid stigmatization and promote equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background. The charity's mission is to ensure that children can focus on their lessons in the morning without the distraction of hunger, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Reducing stigma in school breakfast programs: Magic Breakfast addresses child hunger stigma and offers flexible solutions, but the government should provide morning provisions to reach all at-risk children.
Magic Breakfast, an organization that provides school breakfasts, focuses on reducing stigma and ensuring that no child is identifiable as being in need. They offer flexible solutions based on each school's needs and have grown to almost a thousand schools due to the increasing demand. However, the responsibility for addressing child hunger lies with the government, as it is a complex issue linked to societal problems and the economy. Magic Breakfast is doing important work, but it cannot solve the issue alone. The government should provide morning provision for children, similar to lunchtime, to reach all children at risk of hunger. It's a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach.
Addressing child hunger: A community effort: Charities, individuals, and corporations can work together to provide school breakfasts and advocate for government action to address child hunger and food insecurity
Addressing child hunger and food insecurity is a community issue that requires collective action. While the government has a role to play, charities like Magic Breakfast are making a difference by providing school breakfasts to ensure children can learn and break the cycle of poverty. Individuals can get involved by supporting campaigns, writing to their MPs, and encouraging corporate social responsibility. Corporations can help by providing food and using their voices to advocate for government action. Magic Breakfast's long-term goal is to solve the issue, and they see a role for themselves in advising governments on effective school breakfast programs. By working together, we can make a significant impact on child hunger and food insecurity.
Schools supporting families in need during crises: Schools play a vital role in addressing childhood hunger by providing essentials and free school meals, particularly in deprived areas. Organizations partner with schools to ensure children receive proper nutrition for their development.
Schools play a crucial role in supporting families and children in need, particularly during times of crisis like the pandemic. These institutions go beyond their academic responsibilities to provide essentials like uniforms, food, and support to families facing financial hardships. The organizations discussed in the podcast focus on partnering with schools in deprived areas that have a high percentage of pupil premium students to provide free school meals. However, the need for such initiatives extends beyond these areas. School meals are essential for children's physical and mental development, and it's important for every school to be aware of this issue. The podcast guests emphasized the importance of organizations like these in addressing childhood hunger and making sure that children receive the nutrition they need. If you're interested in learning more about the initiatives discussed in the podcast, you can find the show notes for the Doctor's Kitchen podcast for further resources. Additionally, for those looking for deals on Mother's Day gifts, Whole Foods Market offers unbeatable savings, and Quince provides high-end goods at affordable prices.
