Easter eggs for all Southampton children, food charity pledges

Tens of thousands of eggs, destined for supermarket shelves, have been donated

A charity has pledged to give Easter eggs to "every child" in Southampton.

The Big Difference was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic and has grown into an operation to divert surplus food to families and individuals in need.

It is aiming to give more than 200,000 donated Swiss chocolate eggs to school children throughout the city.

Chief executive Sanjay Mall said the charity wanted to "put smiles on all the kids' faces".

During the pandemic the charity provided packed lunches to the homeless who were housed in B&Bs and hostels, and delivered food to those on the streets.

Pupils at more than 50 schools are being given chocolate eggs

It has since grown to work with 95 community groups, charities and schools in Southampton, to help struggling families and vulnerable people who are facing food insecurity.

It said it had given out more than £3m worth of food since its inception, and each month saved 15 tonnes of food from going to waste.

Surplus food is donated by producers, retailers and food outlets and is redistributed by the charity.

The charity was given the chocolate eggs, in packs of eight, that were destined for supermarket shelves, but their appearance would not have met quality control standards.

More than 50 schools are set to be given boxes of eggs to distribute to pupils.

Among the children receiving their eggs at Weston Park Primary School, Rory said he was "very happy" by the surprise delivery.

"Some people aren't fortunate enough to be able to afford chocolate eggs and some kids go Easter without chocolate eggs so the charity has been very nice in giving people eggs," he said.

Fellow pupil Zoe said: "I feel really happy we've been receiving these eggs - I like chocolate 100%."

Chief executive Sanjay Mall said The Big Difference wanted to "put smiles on all the kids' faces"

Mr Sanjay said: "We help thousands of families across Southampton that are really struggling.

"The cost of living crisis is there - we want to see Southampton children happy and give them love and hope.

"I wanted every child to have just a treat - the happiness and joy that comes with that is just fantastic."

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