Food left over from The Open helps feed hundreds of local families

Surplus food from The 2023 Open Championship has been donated to local charity, Neo Community, and helped to feed hundreds of families in need across Wirral and Ellesmere Port.

The 151st Open Championship played from 20–23 July 2023 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, the 13th time the competition has been held at Royal Liverpool. Following the tournament’s conclusion on Sunday, its organisers donated all surplus food to Neo Community, including fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, milk, and other essentials.

The food and community charity swung into action, distributing the generous donations to over 10 other local charities including The Hive Youth Zone, Gautby Road Youth, Play and Community Centre and Shaftesbury Youth Club, to support holiday activities to children, homeless people and children and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Ema Wilkes, Neo Community CEO, said: “We are extremely grateful to the organisers of The Open for this generous donation. Not only does it reduce food waste from the event, but it has also enabled us to feed hundreds of children and families in Wirral and Ellesmere Port.

“There is a growing need for the provision of food and essentials to people across the region, due to the cost-of-living crisis. Neo Community has the logistics in place to mobilise and ensure any surplus food is distributed effectively, and we take every opportunity to ensure that no-one is left behind.”

A spokesperson for one of the event vendors said: “It is great to be able to support the local community of Wirral, this was such a large international event, and we need to recognise the great work local charities like Neo Community do to reduce food waste and support communities.”

Neo stands for NEED, ENGAGE and ORGANISE community led change. The charity was established in 2003 to identify gaps, listen to community voices, empower communities, and facilitate the delivery of food, activities, campaigns, and strategies to overcome adversity and poverty, and increase community participation and pride.

The food and community charity offers social supermarkets, a community café, kids club, youth club, holiday activities, family supper clubs and activities for older residents, as well as training, wellbeing, a women’s group, and much more.