Stop filling your face and help homeless, charity urges

Marketing Metrix chief executive Bill Portlock has launched a charity with a mission to help tackle the growing problem of homelessness while also aiming to cut food waste.

The Spag Bol Project asks consumers to make a simple sacrifice: cut back on the extravagance of Christmas dinner and donate the cash saved to charity instead.

Although the charity’s name comes from one of the most famous Italian dishes, which it is claimed is never actually found in Italy, it is just one of a number of meal ideas recommended to keep the cost of Christmas dinner down, instead of feasting on Champagne, turkey and all the trimmings.

A study carried out by Forza Supplements in 2017, found that the average person eats up to 5,241 calories on December 25.

In the first year, The Spag Bol Project is supporting Centrepoint, Crisis and The Salvation Army, but donations to any good cause will be welcome. The initiative will be launched with a widespread email marketing drive to raise awareness and get people cooking something cheaper this Christmas.

Initially, the charity aims to persuade people to have a more modest Christmas meal, spending less on food and drink, and donating some or all of the money they save. The founders hope the idea becomes a way to donate all year round.

Portlock explained: “The idea came to me after I’d been outdoor swimming – it was freezing. I went for a coffee and spotted an ad for Crisis.

“I realised that I was able to climb back into my car and get warm, but that’s not possible for homeless people. They often feel the bitter cold all day, every day.

“The Christmas meal used to be an annual treat, but for many people it’s become an indulgent tradition to be endured. A lot of food is wasted, so why buy too much? Spag bol is a meal for four you can make for a fiver. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than by donating the difference to a good cause.”

For more information, visit The Spag Bol Project’s website>