The Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary at the American Express Stadium at the Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for an initiative to tackle food insecurity in the UK and Ireland.
This evening was an important step forward in Sodexo’s journey towards an ambitious 2030 commitment to supporting more than 12.5 million direct and indirect beneficiaries through the Stop Hunger Foundation.
Guests signed up to volunteer with Trussell, the foundation’s longtime charity partner.
The dinner was hosted by Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and councillor of the Stop Hunger Foundation, and was held with Patrick Forbes, Foundation Chair, Sodexo Ambassador and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The event welcomed Asma Khan, one of the world’s most well-known female chefs and the foundation’s first patron.
A patron in January 2025 and a chef advocate for the United Nations World Food Program, ASMA brings valuable support and inspiration to the foundation’s work. She has a shared commitment with the Stop Hunger Foundation and advocates initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity, including skill development, resource accessibility and community empowerment.
Asma Khan of Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Patron said: “It was an honor to be part of this special evening celebrating 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation. Food anxiety is a complicated issue, but events like this remind us that when people come together with shared goals, we can make real progress.”
Over the past 20 years, the foundation has supported more than 9.6 million beneficiaries through 230 charitable partners in more than 56 cities and regions and has distributed more than £6.4 million in grants. Thanks to Sodexo’s financial support, 100% of donations made to stop hunger is directed at charity partners.
Launched in 2005 by Sodexo UK & Ireland, the foundation exists to fight food insecurity and build tomorrow better. One example includes a £150,000 multi-year grant to the Trussell award-winning helpline. It is a service that connects people in crisis with financial support, helping them secure an average of more than £2,000 a year in additional income.
In addition to fundraising, the event also celebrated the contributions of Sodexo colleagues and supply partners. Three awards were awarded in the evening.
Diane Jones – Manufacturer of the Year
He was recognized for his continued dedication to fundraising, volunteering and advocacy. Diane arranged a fundraising event and established a permanent food bank at Sodexo’s London headquarters.
Mackenzie Liddelow – Changed Maker of the Year
He has surpassed his volunteer goals within Sodexo’s Energy & Resources business, and has formed an impactful philanthropic partnership, and is recognized for defending local volunteer initiatives that are currently supported by the Foundation and praised by the Scottish Parliament.
Kimberly Clark – Responsible Supplier of the Year
Over the past year, Kimberly Clark has supported Sodexo with innovations that reduce costs, reduce waste and improve operational performance.
Stop Hunger is an employee-led initiative by Sodexo, operating in more than 73 countries around the world.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Areland and Foundation Councillor. “This year’s event was a powerful celebration and a reminder of what we could achieve to support others.
Patrick Forbes, chairman of the Stop Hunger Foundation, added: “As we celebrate 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation, it is even more exciting to look back at how far we have come and see the momentum we are building for the future.
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