WOODEN SPOON AND RED ROSE TACKLE HUNGER WITH ‘PASS THE PLATE’ INITIATIVE 

Back in 2023 Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, launched ‘Pass the Plate’ an initiative aimed at supporting food banks and community schemes up and down the country helping people struggling to feed their families. 

 

The scheme was officially launched by former Red Rose and Harlequins player, Shaunagh Brown who presented a cheque for £2,000 to Lewisham food bank as part of ‘Pass the Plate’.  

Committed to supporting and engaging with her local community, as well as understanding the importance of helping to transform the lives of vulnerable children, Shaunagh spent time at the food bank talking to the volunteers and finding out how they support those accessing their services.  

Brown, who has won four Women’s Six Nations titles and the Premier 15s title with Quins, as well as competing at the World Cup, said: “Food poverty is such an important issue in the UK and something I’m very passionate about. Through working with Wooden Spoon, I’ve been introduced to the amazing work that they’ve been doing to sustain food banks, as well as help make sure that vulnerable children and young adults have access to life-changing programmes.” 

In rapid response, Wooden Spoon and their family of rugby supporters across the country donated to those who have been hit the hardest, with 33 initiatives such as Foodshed in Stevenage, Chelmsford Food Bank, Kings Food Bank, The Quest Academy, Home Start, Norwich Food Hub and Worcester Food Bank receiving vitals funds.   

It is clear the continuing rising costs of living is putting extreme pressure on vulnerable families and individuals – with increased numbers of people turning to their local food banks to keep their loved ones fed. Sarah Wood, CEO at Wooden Spoon, said: “ We are pleased to launch our Pass the Plate initiative to raise vital funds to help families struggling to feed their children. Our aim is to provide much-needed support to food banks, schools and initiatives across the UK and Ireland,  All that do such tremendous work for children and their families who need support, especially during a time that has brought its own extra complications and challenges.    

“We wouldn’t be able to achieve so much without the rugby family and the generous support from our outstanding Wooden Spoon sponsors, supporters and ambassadors such as Shaunagh Brown.”