Edinburgh pizzeria calls upon on local charities helping those without food or shelter to get in touch for fresh food donations

Sourdough pizza giant Franco Manca, which opened their first Edinburgh restaurant earlier this year have pledged to turn surplus dough into fresh sourdough bread for those most in need this festive season and beyond.

Staff will work on Christmas to provide a collection service.

The initiative launches on Monday 9 December and will continue throughout the next year with an aim to help those going without food or shelter, with loaves being distributed to local soup kitchens, charities and shelters.

In addition to this, Franco Manca have vowed to donate 40,000 free pizzas to those that require them most during the month of December, with staff members selflessly opting to work on Christmas day itself, providing a free collection service for anyone who’s unable to enjoy a festive dinner in comfort.

Last year the company pledged to donate 20,000 pizzas to those in need.

Javed Akhtar, operations director at Franco Manca, said:“At Franco Manca, we always try back to our local communities. This year, we’re truly happy to announce that we are doubling our 2018 pledge by offering 40,000 pizzas to those who face a tough time over the festive period.

“Not only do we hope this will help those most in need for months to come, it will also support our aim to limit our food waste across the business, something we think should be a focus for all likeminded, conscious restaurants across the UK.”

The 40,000 free pizzas will be available for collection from all pizzeria nationwide, with the Christmas day offering available at selected pizzerias across the UK.

Collections can be organised via their on-site donations page.

Suggestions of suitable organisations the pizzeria can assist are also encouraged, with the UK public asked to share their recommendations via the same donations page on site, or on social media.