Our Impact
Transforming Lives Through Food
Discover how Struggles 2 Smiles is making a difference in the community by addressing food poverty and creating opportunities for at-risk teens.
Community Pop-Ups
Engaging local residents with hands-on cooking demonstrations on how to cook from a foodbank and pop up street food fundraising events.
Youth Employment
Providing training and employment opportunities and skill development for at-risk teens.
Our Achievements 2022 -2023
See the impact we’ve made in numbers.
Catering & Hospitality Training:
Trained 10 young individuals in catering and hospitality, providing them with NVQ 1 and Level 2 food hygiene qualifications. These programs enhanced their employment prospects and provided weekly allowances, supporting their personal and professional growth.
Street Food Projects:
Offered practical training and mentorship through street food events, helping young people develop culinary skills and pursue careers in the outdoor events and street food industry.
Cooking Demonstrations:
Collaborated with CF61 Food Bank and Vale Council to conduct cooking demonstrations using food bank ingredients, raising awareness about food insecurity and teaching the community how to create healthy meals from available resources.
Hot Food Banks and Fresh Food Hampers:
Operated pop-up hot food banks and distributed low-cost fresh food hampers, delivering approximately 45,000 hot meals to the community, a 140% increase from the previous year. This initiative ensures that no one in our community goes hungry.
Increased Volunteering Opportunities:
Expanded volunteer programs, allowing more individuals to contribute their time and skills. Currently, 15 volunteers support our mission, benefiting the community and enhancing their personal growth and well-being.
Collaborations with Local Organizations:
Partnered with SW Police Youth Trust and local PCO Officers to provide cooking courses and participate in community events, fostering positive behavior change and skill development among young people.
Christmas Day Initiatives:
Organized Christmas Day fresh food hampers for homeless shelters and families, providing 825 meals and 65 fresh food hampers ensuring a special day for those in need.
Successful Fundraising
Secured £6,500 in lottery funds and £8,600 in donations, enabling the continuation and expansion of our programs. Our financial stability ensures long-term impact and growth for the organization.
Community Feedback:
We have received amazing reviews and feedback from community members, local organizations, and councils, acknowledging the positive impact of our efforts on individuals and families.
Struggles 2 Smiles continues to strive for excellence, creating sustainable change and improving lives through our comprehensive programs and dedicated team. Together, we are making a significant difference in our community.
“Something I wasn’t prepared for was how much of a rollercoaster of emotions these projects would be during the Covid 19 pandemic. I’ve felt anger that familys anre in a position to ask for help, guilty that we as a business can’t do more, Embarrassed that we are in a position to help, I’ve felt sadness for all the families & inderviduals in need, joy in seeing the compassion offered by others and fustrated with outselves for feeling all of this when after all, I am leading a life of privilege and really cant imagine what these families & inderviduals living in poverty must be dealing with every single day which is obviously a billion times worse for us to talk or think about.”
– Struggles 2 Smiles Donor
“Me and my family were completely overjoyed last night after receiving our Christmas day dinners and Christmas gifts for my children. I took a step back after looking at all the food and gifts and I couldnt help but get a lump in the back of my throat and shed a tear. Thank you Jason, It means so much to me, I’ve always been able to provide for my family and having to get help really hit me yesterday. I am enternally greatful to have had this opportunity. To have this charitty do this for me and my family and other families in need at this time of year is beautiful and I only hope we are in a better position in the near future to pay it forward ourselves.”
– Struggles 2 Smiles Recipient