Fighting Food Poverty and Food Waste: Trowers & Hamlins’ Social Value Commitment

By Katharine Lewis

At Trowers & Hamlins, our commitment to social value is deeply embedded in our culture. Across our UK and international offices, we’re actively addressing food poverty and food waste through meaningful partnerships, volunteering, and fundraising efforts.

London: Long-Term Support and New Partnerships 

Our London office has supported the Islington Foodbank for over a decade, contributing through regular food drives and online donations. During the pandemic, we launched JustGiving pages for each UK office to support their local foodbanks, a practice we’ve continued to maintain. 

We’ve also partnered with the Whitechapel Mission, which provides food and essential services to London’s homeless population. In addition to fundraising, we’ve established a pro bono clinic to offer legal support to those in need. 

In May 2025, we began a new initiative with Little Nest Nursery, planting fruits and vegetables to support healthy meals for children. This hands-on project also promotes sustainability and food education. 

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our collaboration with the Felix Project, which rescues surplus food from the industry and redistributes it to nearly 1,000 community organisations across London. Our volunteers have supported their soup kitchen and warehouse operations, helping ensure good food reaches those who need it most. 

Manchester: Community-Focused Action 

Manchester’s chosen charity, Lifeshare, provides food and safe spaces for homeless individuals. Our team volunteers regularly at their respite centre, serving breakfast and distributing essentials. We’ve also raised significant funds through events like our annual client charity quiz and Christmas pledge, which secured matched funding via The Big Give.

Food and clothing collections for Lifeshare and the Trussell Trust are a regular part of our office-wide efforts, alongside themed bake-offs and cultural lunches that raise awareness and funds. 

Birmingham: Feeding Brum and Beyond

In Birmingham, we’ve continued our partnership with Let’s Feed Brum, raising over £3,000 and supporting their Tuesday Breakfast Club. Our volunteers have helped deliver meals and joined outreach walks to support vulnerable individuals on the streets. 

We’ve also organised food collections and cultural events that highlight the importance of community and inclusion while supporting food-related causes. 

International Offices: Global Impact 

Our international offices have embraced food-focused initiatives tailored to local needs. In Dubai, we partnered with Beit Al Khair to distribute iftar meals during Ramadan. In Oman, staff assembled grocery boxes for those in need. In Malaysia, our Kuala Lumpur office worked with Kechara Soup Kitchen Society to rescue surplus produce and deliver it to families and charity homes. 

From rescuing surplus food to planting vegetables and serving meals, our teams are united by a shared mission: to reduce food waste and alleviate food poverty. These initiatives reflect our belief that businesses can—and should—play a vital role in building more equitable and sustainable communities.