Thomas Franks believe everyone should have access to food. Feeding Communities uses Thomas Franks resources and expertise to produce made-up food parcels and freshly prepared meals in response to those in need. During the pandemic, access to healthy nutritious food was further restricted for the most vulnerable. The charity was initially created to tackle food poverty and vulnerability but continues now with the same mission as before. The organisation is now piloting a new initiative in schools to get pupils involved, which is where Shiplake comes in!  

On Friday 19 January, our wonderful volunteers gathered in the Great Hall to help out. Together with our catering staff, we made and distributed 5000 meals to communities and food banks which will be invaluable to the 300 food banks and homeless charities that the Thomas Franks Foundation support.  

This is not the first time the College has supported Thomas Franks in tackling food waste and reducing food poverty. In early December, a 260kg pumpkin – dubbed ‘The Largest Pumpkin in Chelsea’ - made its way to Shiplake College where, with Chef Aaron Thompson's expertise, it was used to produce 619 meals!