A major new initiative described as a physical manifestation of King Charles III's priorities has launched in Birmingham, with the ambitious goal of tackling severe poverty and excessive food waste across the West Midlands.
A Direct Response to Stark Regional Poverty
The Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub, based in Gravelly Park, Birmingham, officially opened its doors on Monday, December 15. Its core mission is to deliver an estimated seven million meals to 30,000 vulnerable people in the region. The project is a direct response to alarming statistics, particularly around child poverty.
Figures show that 46% of children in Birmingham live in poverty. The situation in the wider Black Country is also deeply concerning, with 38% of children in Sandwell, 36% in both Walsall and Wolverhampton, and 30% in Dudley living in relative poverty.
Funding, Operation, and Royal Vision
The hub is made possible by a £2 million donation from Midlands philanthropist Sir Peter Rigby. It will be operated by the food distribution charity FareShare West Midlands. This Birmingham centre is one of ten such hubs that King Charles called for across the UK to combat the dual crises of food poverty and food waste.
At the launch, the King's representative, Lord Lieutenant of the Midlands Derrick Anderson, emphasised the monarch's personal commitment. "This was the brainchild of His Majesty," Anderson stated. "During the coronation, he made reference to being of service about 14 times and this particular project reflects his take on the types of service which each and every one of his citizens in the UK need or deserve."
More Than Food: Skills and Sustainability
The hub's impact is designed to extend far beyond emergency food provision. Annually, it will offer 500 unemployed young people the chance to gain vital skills through employability programmes. Training will be available in areas such as:
- Warehousing and logistics
- Forklift truck driving
- Catering and hospitality
Lord Lieutenant Anderson also highlighted the environmental benefits, noting the project tackles food insecurity "in a way which also minimises food waste and as a result of that minimises landfill deposits," reflecting the King's concerns for the planet.
Sir Peter Rigby explained his motivation, saying, "I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that nearly half of Birmingham's children live in poverty, with many having very limited access to regular nutritious meals." He added that his support reflects a commitment to ensuring local families don't go hungry while addressing the root causes of poverty and waste in collaboration with community groups.
