Hot Food for the Homeless with the Help of EPS Food Boxes
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Homelessness in Birmingham, UK, is at an all-time high, but two inspiring volunteers, Anne and Carmel, are helping to make a difference. In March 2017, they launched the Unite 4 Homeless Project, which began with just one table of food in the city centre. Today, the project has grown into a weekly lifeline, serving over 75 hot, homemade meals outside Birmingham coach station.
A Weekly Lifeline for Birmingham’s Homeless
Unite 4 Homeless provides hot meals and drinks for rough sleepers as well as people living in hostels with little money to spare. Alongside hearty dishes such as rice, stews, chicken, vegetables, and shepherd’s pie, donated food from local businesses including sandwiches, baguettes, and pastries helps keep the tables full.
Just as important as the food is the opportunity for people to socialise, connect, and feel part of a caring community.
Anne Duffy, co-founder of the charity, shared:
“It’s heart-breaking. Nobody deserves to go to bed hungry in this day and age or have to line up in the middle of Birmingham City Centre waiting for food.”
Why EPS Boxes Are Essential for Food Transport
To keep meals piping hot during transport, the charity relies on expanded polystyrene (EPS) food boxes donated by JB Packaging. EPS is lightweight yet offers outstanding insulation, keeping food at the right temperature for hours even on cold evenings when warmth matters most.
- Stackable design for efficient storage and transport
- Recessed handles for safe and easy carrying
- Durability to handle repeated use and large volumes of food
These qualities make EPS boxes a reliable choice for hot meal distribution projects, catering, and community food initiatives.
Carmel Finnigan, co-founder, added:
“We’ve been using polystyrene boxes for two years now and they’re perfect for keeping our hot meals lovely and warm for the people who come to see us.”
Community Impact with Practical Support
Thanks to Anne, Carmel, their volunteers, and the support of local donors, Unite 4 Homeless is able to provide warmth, nourishment, and dignity to Birmingham’s most vulnerable people. JB Packaging is proud to support the project by providing packaging that helps food reach those who need it most.