North East Mayor joins Feeding Families to launch Christmas campaign supporting 44,000 households
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Businesses and community leaders came together at Feeding Families’ Gateshead headquarters this week to support the launch of the charity’s annual Christmas appeal, helping families across the North East facing impossible choices between food, heating, and rent this winter.
Founded eight years ago from founder Juliet Sanders’ kitchen table, Feeding Families has grown into a region-wide charity providing food and essential supplies to more than 44,000 families every year. What began as one act of kindness has become a network of volunteers, schools, and businesses working together to deliver dignity, care, and hope to those most in need.
Reflecting on the journey, Juliet said, “We started small, one family helping another and today we’re supporting tens of thousands. Every box tells a story and reminds people that they’re not alone. What we do isn’t just about food; it’s about connection, compassion and community.”
Juliet, who will shortly retire as CEO, also introduced her successor, Wayne Dobson, marking a new chapter for the organisation she built from the ground up with her daughter, Libby Malcolm, service development manager, and now her granddaughter, also volunteering.
The event, hosted jointly with the North East Chamber of Commerce, heard from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, who praised the charity’s work tackling child poverty and reaffirmed her commitment to creating a fairer region.
“Imagine not being able to put a Christmas dinner on the table, that’s the reality for too many families in the North East”, said the Mayor. “Feeding Families shows the best of who we are as a region: people who look out for one another. Tackling child poverty isn’t just a matter of social justice; it’s key to our region’s future success.”
This Christmas, Feeding Families will once again deliver thousands of festive food boxes, including low-cook, halal and rough sleeper packs alongside its Festive Food Project and recipe kit boxes designed to bring families together around fresh, nutritious meals.
The charity is also taking part in The Big Give (2–9 December), with donations matched pound for pound. Supporters are encouraged to pledge, fundraise, donate food, or write messages of hope to include in each Christmas box.
“Everyone can do something,” said Juliet. “Whether that’s a Christmas card, a donation, or a few hours volunteering, every act of kindness counts.”
Ashley Carney, events and awards manager at the Chamber, added, “Feeding Families shows what our region does best, pulling together to make a difference. It’s a powerful reminder of how businesses can use their time and resources to bring real change to local communities.”
For more information, visit www.feedingfamilies.org.uk or follow Feeding Families UK on social media.
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Ways to Get Involved
- Tree of Hope
Going live next week, every £30 donated provides a festive food box for someone facing food insecurity. Your company can donate or fundraise with your team to see how many boxes you can provide. Sponsors will be featured on our digital and public Tree of Hope. - Double Your Impact
All donations made between 2nd–9th December via the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be doubled, meaning your support goes twice as far. Pledge your donation here. - Festive Fundraising
Collect food donations in your workplace to help fill cupboards for families. We provide donation boxes and leaflets to get your team started. Sign up to host a collection here. - Volunteering
Your team can help pack boxes, organise donations, and deliver them across the North East. This is a hands-on way to make a tangible difference while fostering stronger teams. Sign up here.