Gadd’s Food & Drink bosses to hold festive food giveaway in Margate

Tomorrow (Christmas Eve), Thanet business Gadd’s Food & Drink will be spreading festive cheer in Margate with a heart-warming food and drink giveaway, aimed at supporting families during  what can be one of the toughest times of the year.

Teaming up with Widget Toys on Margate High Street, Gadd’s Food & Drink, run by husband and wife team Chris and Kim Gadd, will be giving away a selection of crisps, cakes, sweets, chocolates, drinks and more, completely free of charge.

The giveaway will take place at the Widget Toys High Street branch between 1pm and 3pm, offering support to local families and individuals in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Adding extra magic to the afternoon, Clare Winters from Widget’s Toys has been hard at work behind the scenes and has contacted her connections at the North Pole. As a result, Father Christmas will be making a special appearance, bringing smiles, excitement and festive joy to children visiting the giveaway.

Chris said: “Christmas is meant to be a joyful time for everyone, but sadly that isn’t the reality for many families. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, rising household bills, and a 5.1% increase in food prices this year alone, more people than ever are struggling — especially at Christmas.”

Since 2020, food prices in the UK have risen by over 37%, while wages and benefits have not increased anywhere near the same level. This growing gap has left many families facing impossible choices.

“Parents don’t want to admit they’re struggling,” Chris added. “They don’t want to be seen as the Grinch. They will go out of their way to buy presents for their children, even if they can’t afford it — and that often has a knock-on effect for the rest of the year.

“ If we can take just a little bit of that burden away by giving food and drink to those who need it, then that’s exactly what we will do — not just this year, but every year.”

The only request is for people to bring their own bags. There is no limit on the amount of food people are allowed to take, but it is asked that they only take enough for themselves and their family to consume.

Chris said: “If people take too much then it will get thrown away which goes against everything we represent. At the heart of Gadd’s Food & Drink is a strong commitment to reducing food waste while helping people save money.

“The business specialises in selling food and drink that has gone past its Best Before date — products that are still perfectly safe to eat but would otherwise be thrown away.

“Best Before doesn’t mean unsafe, it means quality, not safety. Without businesses like ours, huge amounts of perfectly good food would simply go to waste.”

By working directly with manufacturers and wholesalers, Gadd’s Food & Drink is able to offer essential items at a fraction of supermarket prices. For example, Heinz ketchup currently selling for around £3 in supermarkets is available from Gadd’s for just 50p, with the only difference being the date — not the taste.

Crisps with an RRP of £1.25 are sold for 10p, while cakes with an RRP of £2.49  available for 20p.

Gadd’s Food & Drink sells primarily through its Facebook page and, during the summer months, at the Whitstable Bends Bootfair.

Chris said: “By keeping overheads low, the business is able to maximise savings for customers and reinvest profits back into the community. This Christmas Eve giveaway is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when local businesses come together — tackling food waste, easing poverty, and ensuring that no family is forgotten during the festive season.”