Manchester’s famous food scene has long been a cornerstone of our city’s incredible culture.
Now more than ever, we see the generosity and talent of our local chefs, restaurant owners and volunteers coming together for a truly impactful cause.
From 21 to 27 October, Manchester’s hospitality collective Eat well MCRwill host the Eat Well, Do Good Festival – a week-long celebration of events, food and fundraising, all aimed at tackling food poverty in our community.
And they need your help.
As part of its fundraising efforts, the collective is encouraging hospitality businesses across Greater Manchester to get involved.
Eat well, do good by Eat Well MCR
This exciting festival is not just about great food and the incredible delights that Manchester’s best restaurants have to offer.
It’s about supporting the vital work of Eat Well MCR, which distributes thousands of meals every month to those in need across Greater Manchester.
From children living in emergency shelters to women seeking refuge in emergency housing, the collective’s efforts have touched countless lives and provided food and hope to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
There are more than 7,000 homeless children in Greater Manchester, according to a leading charity ShelterThe need for collective action has never been greater.
Eat Well MCR is stepping up its game, delivering around 2,500 meals a month to people in economic need. But as demand increases, so does the need for support. And that’s where this festival comes in.
Ramona, Maray, 10 Tib Lane
The Eat Well, Do Good festival will see some of Manchester’s best-loved food and drink establishments – including Ramona, Maray, 10 Tib Lane, Chorlton Cheesemongers and chef Caroline Martins – come together to raise much-needed funds.
Whether it’s offering a special dish or drink with proceeds going to the cause, or including a £1 donation with every bill, restaurants across the city are getting creative with their contributions.
The aim of this initiative is to bring together chefs, restaurants and volunteers to deliver meals, source ingredients and raise awareness and funds to support disadvantaged communities in Manchester.
Will Taplin, Executive Chef for Ramona, Firehouse and Diecast
Will Taplin, executive chef at Ramona, Firehouse and Diecast, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign: “We are really excited to be part of this fundraiser.
“Throughout October, we’ll be serving special slices at Ramona and whole pizzas at Diecast. A donation from every pizza sold goes directly to Eat Well MCR.”
And it’s not just restaurants that are taking part. Manchester’s hospitality industry is inviting everyone from chefs to foodies to get involved.
Venues are encouraged to host their own fundraising events, organize team activities, or simply donate a portion of their revenue to the cause.
“Small friendly gestures can make a big difference”
It’s a week where small acts of kindness add up to make a big difference and prove once again that Manchester cares.
The festival will culminate with a party at Ramona on October 27, with all the evening’s proceeds donated to Eat Well MCR. Featuring DJs from Stells Selections, this closing event will bring together foodservice operators, the general public and members of the community who have benefited from Eat Well MCR’s services for a night of celebration and solidarity.
Anyone who would like to take part can simply register on Eat Well MCR’s “Eat Well, Do Good” page.
The collective has even produced a compelling video outlining the impact of poverty in Manchester, further underscoring the urgency of their mission.
Founded in April 2020 by Manchester chef and restaurant owner Mary-Ellen McTague in response to the pandemic, Eat Well MCR has since delivered over 100,000 meals across Greater Manchester. This social enterprise works with grassroots organisations to reach those most in need, from homeless families to parents of sick children in hospital.
The collective is led by McTague alongside a strong team including creative producer Gemma Saunders, marketing consultant Kathleen O’Connor, Cloudwater founder Paul Jones and others who share a deep commitment to the community.
With the upcoming Eat Well, Do Good festival, Manchester’s hospitality heroes are calling on everyone to join them in this city-wide movement of generosity, good food and community spirit. Every pound raised and every meal served is a step towards a better future for all Manchester residents.
How you can help
If you as a restaurant want to make a difference, consider participating in this worthwhile initiative.
Whether through a special menu, a donation program or a charity event, every contribution counts.
And if you want to support us, be sure to dine at the participating restaurants throughout the week and attend the festival’s closing party at Ramona on the 27th.
Because in Manchester we don’t just eat well – we do good.
