Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham (the founders of Pret A Manger) set up The Pret Foundation Trust in 1995. The Trust is funded by money that we donate from the sales of some of our products (Lemon-Aid, Dolphin-Friendly Tuna Baguette and our Christmas sandwiches), and customer donations through collection boxes in shops. This primarily supports the Pret Charity Run, a fleet of electric vans, which collect and distribute our leftover food at the end of every day to charities for the homeless across London. Many charities collect directly from our shops at the end of the day too. In total, we donate over 1.7 million meals to charities for the homeless across the UK every year.

The Pret Foundation Trust (PFT) also supports charities for the homeless with essential financial, and sometimes professional, project support.

The PFT is funding a support worker for The Children's Society in Newcastle with the purpose of preventing young children from running away from home for a life on the street.

The PFT continues to back a performance arts programme for Cardboard Citizens and Streets Alive at the Roundhouse Theatre in Camden. This provides homeless kids aged between 16-24 years old with the opportunity to build their confidence through performance arts skills.

The St Mary Le Bow charity, London, was awarded funding from the PFT to help provide training, beds and clothes for young people trying to get themselves off the streets and into employment in the city.

The Pret Property Team has recently refurbished the kitchen at St George In The Crypt, a drop-in centre that does essential work supporting and offering advice for the long-term homeless in Leeds. The kitchen serves 150 homeless clients wholesome meals everyday as they visit the centre for much needed help, advice and friendship.

The Pret Food team has partnered with Broadway, another charity for the homeless in London, and executed a programme of educational Pret food preparation workshops. These workshops are designed to teach hostel residents basic food preparation methods so they can prepare nutritious sandwiches for themselves.

The PFT is also currently supporting projects at 999 Club, Deptford, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Brighton, West London Day Centre, Marylebone and the Music Caf Youth programe in Brixton.

The Pret Foundation trustees are always happy to consider additional charities that work with the homeless. If you'd like to know more, please email nicky.fisher@pret.com.

The Pret Foundation Trust Apprenticeship Scheme

If someone does not have a fixed address it is very difficult to get a bank account. If you have no bank account it is difficult to get a job. If in the past a person has been in prison, and has therefore got a criminal record, it is again extremely difficult to find work. It is a cruel catch 22 situation.

In an effort to help break this cycle the Pret Foundation has set up an apprenticeship scheme. There are now 2 places a year available for ex-offenders or homeless people to get a 3 month work placement in the Pret business. The apprentice will receive training in their chosen field, a mentor to guide them through the process and will enjoy all the usual benefits of working for Pret. After the 3 months, if a permanent role is available and the apprentice has done well, they may be given full time employment. If not, they will at least leave Pret with work experience to put on their CV.

Currently the Pret Foundation Trust is working in partnership with the St Mary Le Bow Young Homeless Trust. Our first apprentices are coming via this charity and we are not taking applications directly. If you would like further information, please email nicky.fisher@pret.com