UK launches bean production drive and local food job programmes

A partnership of UK food retailers and manufacturers, including Princes Group, Waitrose and Alliance Food Sourcing, is producing one million tins of Branston baked beans for households facing food insecurity. The beans will be distributed through Felix's network of over 8,000 community organisations, schools, food banks and kitchens, aiming to provide the equivalent of more than 1.9 million meals by year‑end. Company directors highlighted the shift from donating surplus to actively using factory capacity to create nutritious meals.

In Leeds, the Good Food Movement is promoting a range of community‑focused opportunities. Local employers such as Fusion Cafe, Leeds Veg Box and Eat Your Greens are advertising full‑time and part‑time kitchen and management positions. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for community garden projects, and free meet‑up events and online courses are being organised to support public‑health‑linked gardening and food education.

Both initiatives aim to improve food security and create employment within the UK food sector.