Sodexo supports SSAFA on World Homelessness Day

10 October 2023

The well-established relationship between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has taken another step forward with an increased donation from £35,000 for 2022/2023 to £50,000 for 2023/2024. It also marks the breaking of the £500,000 barrier of grants to the charity.

Announced on World Homelessness Day (October 10), the 43% increase in funding from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation to the Sodexo Homelessness Fund will allow SSAFA to continue its life-changing work for a further 12 months.

Since 2008, funding from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has provided urgent welfare provision to those most in need from the Armed Forces community, particularly veterans and their families across all three services. The Foundation’s support has enabled the rapid delivery of financial assistance, help with the purchase of white goods, and distributing emergency food supplies.

Over those 15 years, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has given more than £500,000 to SSAFA allowing the UK’s oldest tri-service charity to help serving personnel, veterans, and their families with support when, where, and how they need it.

Grants from the fund are also a vital resource for volunteer caseworkers to find a swift resolution to urgent cases. And, in addition to the financial support given by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, staff from the company have volunteered for SSAFA.

Commenting, Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, said: “SSAFA is delighted to maintain its long-standing relationship with the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, a relationship that makes a real and practical difference to those in our Armed Forces community who need support.

“And that help from Sodexo, which provides financial assistance to SSAFA, is as vital today as it has ever been, perhaps, sadly, it is more vital now.

“Our Forcesline team of support workers are reporting a change in the tone of calls received since the cost-of-living crisis began to bite last year, with callers demonstrating increased levels of anxiety and stress, and – worryingly – deteriorating levels of mental health.

“This is a situation that is not going to end or even improve soon, but with the four-square support of Sodexo for our military community – from WWII veterans to more recent conflicts – SSAFA will continue to provide compassionate and real help whenever, wherever, and however needed just as it has for 138 years.”

Paul Anstey, CEO Sodexo Government UK&I, noted: “Our partnership with SSAFA spans over 15 years. From financial support through to volunteering, fundraising, and taking part in SSAFA’s mentoring scheme, working with SSAFA gives us a fantastic opportunity to make a different to the Armed Forces’ community.

“It’s a partnership that we’re truly proud of and we look forward to continue working together as we move into the future.”