Plan A: reducing food waste with Neighbourly

Ben Fogle is on a mission to discover the stories behind what we eat and drink, reminding us that every choice matters. We believe no good food should go to waste, especially when it can help those in need. Through our partnership with Neighbourly, we’ve donated the equivalent of 100 million meals (as of March 2025) to local charities and community organisations over the last decade. This year alone, more than 30 million meals were donated – the highest number yet! Every M&S store is proud to support at least two local causes, like Ace of Clubs - linked to our Clapham store, which not only provides hot meals but also offers access to a full food shop for those they support every day. The fresh, quality food we donate is at the heart of these efforts, helping to provide the nourishment people need.

It’s not just about feeding those in need – it’s about doing what’s right for both our communities and the planet. Through this partnership, over 49,000 tonnes of good-quality food have been kept out of landfills. For charities like Ace of Clubs, that means fresh produce, like ripe tomatoes, which might have otherwise been wasted, can be transformed into meals that truly make a difference. Whether it’s a hearty soup or a simple pasta dish, volunteers take this surplus food and turn it into meals that are both nourishing and satisfying for those who need it most.