A key partner in this mission has been the MCKS Charitable Foundation UK (MCKS), a non-profit organisation committed to tackling social issues through targeted, research-informed support.

MCKS has ensured 13 of our academies across our regions are now receiving regular donations of food and hygiene products, with more schools on waiting lists. The partnership is not only helping meet immediate needs of our families but also creating long-term, community-driven solutions. 

In Stoke-on-Trent, Co-op Academy Glebe, Co-op Academy Stoke and Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff receive MCKS deliveries every two weeks. These include pantry items throughout the term and hygiene products at the end of each term.

In Merseyside, Co-op Academy Portland has benefited from breakfast deliveries for several years, enabling the school to provide consistent and healthy breakfast options for students. Recently, Co-op Academy Hillside was also added to the MCKS waiting list for pantry support.

The impact is equally strong in West Yorkshire, where over half of the academies now receive regular food deliveries, supporting students, their families and the wider community. At Co-op Academy Leeds, a weekly community fridge serves up to 30 families every Friday morning. Donations are also tailored to meet the cultural and dietary needs of each community.

“We’ve made over 800 high-quality food parcels with MCKS donations. Their support has been incredible and we couldn’t have achieved this without them,” said a member of the Safeguarding Team at Co-op Academy Woodlands.

“The support from MCKS has been game-changing,” said Liz Garrity, Head of Co-op Academies Community Team.“ “Their generous support has allowed our schools to launch community fridges and social supermarkets and many schools also provide food parcels using surplus donations."