Now, call us cynical but we're not overly keen on Veganuary these days, until however something genuinely great comes along that we think really deserves shouting about.
Step forward wagamama, which has announced not only a delicious new vegan dish coming to its menu this month, but a supporting partnership that will see 1 million meals delivered to low income families in need.
Th new vegan take is on the noodle chain's much missed iconic kare lomen dish, adding a veganuary flourish to the regular menu which is already more than 50% plant based. The vegan 'chicken' kare lomen includes udon noodles served in a nourishing bowl of coconut broth with a chilli kick, and topped with vegan teriyaki 'chicken', coriander, beansprouts and cucumber. It is a fresh, fragrant and warming bowl available in all wagamama restaurants and delivered direct to doors on via Deliveroo for this veganuary only.
This year however the delicious veganuary dish will be served up alongside a campaign of support initiatives to help nourish local communities across the country through a partnership with food charity The Bread and Butter Thing which supports thousands of families in over eighty locations.
Set up in 2016, The Bread and Butter Thing brings low-cost food to low-income communities. Those in need of support pay a fraction of the cost for food, which is sourced direct from manufacturers and retailers. It has over 40,000 members and redistributes to over 5,000 families a week who typically pay £7.50 for £35 worth of groceries. The partnership with wagamama will involve projects in its restaurants and out in the community. Overall, it will see the restaurant chain provide support for The Bread and Butter Thing to deliver 1 million meals worth of food to low income families who use the charity to receive a more affordable weekly shop, at a time when the nation needs it more than ever.
wagamama has already supplied food and bespoke recipes cards to The Bread And Butter Thing and the £25,000 wagamama donation will pay for forty one truck journeys with each able to carry 426 tonnes of food with each tonne equating to 2380 meals. A grand total of just over a million meals. Teaming up to champion The Bread and Butter Thing’s Warm Hub initiative, wagamama will also be providing warm and inclusive community spaces in selected restaurants - offering free sides to families facing difficult choices between heating and eating. While its team members will be volunteering to support local projects and its chefs will provide ‘wok it don’t waste it’ demos and advise on how to cook nourishing and affordable meals.
For more information visit www.wagamama.com
