Kitchen specialist Magnet, which is headquartered in Darlington, has announced a new national charity partnership with anti-poverty charity Trussell to support its network of food banks across the UK.
The collaboration marks a core pillar of Magnet’s new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, ‘Better with Magnet’. Through the initiative, the retailer will establish food donation points across its nationwide store network, launch employee-led fundraising schemes, facilitate staff volunteering, and supply new kitchens to upgrade storage and food preparation spaces for local Trussell food banks.
To launch the partnership, Magnet employees participated in a month-long step challenge throughout May, virtually walking from the company’s Darlington headquarters to Trussell’s main offices in Salisbury and back. The initiative has already raised nearly £4,000, which is estimated to provide emergency food supplies to more than 300 people.
Sophie Rose, CEO of Magnet, said: “At Magnet, we believe no one should face an empty kitchen, but we know that for many people, having food in the cupboard and a safe, welcoming place to turn to is not something they can take for granted.
“Trussell supports people at some of the hardest moments in their lives, and for a business built around kitchens and homes, that connection feels incredibly important to us. This partnership gives us a meaningful way to use our nationwide network, products and the passion of our people to support communities across the UK. We’re proud to partner with such a fantastic cause and look forward to working together to help more people out of crisis.”
The agreement represents the first time Magnet has appointed an official corporate charity partner. The move comes amid sustained pressure on regional food supply networks; last year, food banks within the Trussell community distributed 2.6 million emergency food parcels nationwide.
Joanna Freeborough, Head of Partnerships at Trussell, added: “We are extremely grateful that Magnet and their colleagues have chosen Trussell to be its first ever charity partner. Like us, Magnet believes that no one’s cupboards should be empty, which is why food banks can’t be.
“Every day, people are forced to turn to a food bank because they don’t have enough money to live on. As hunger continues to grip communities across the UK, we need everyone to play their part to end the need for food banks for good. Through pledging to fundraise for us, Magnet will help food banks to keep providing vital support while we work towards a future where no one needs to turn to a food bank to get by.”
The over-arching ‘Better with Magnet’ framework aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, encompassing corporate initiatives across sustainable timber sourcing, waste reduction, renewable energy transition, and workforce training.
To learn more about the initiative, visit Magnet’s Sustainability Hub.
