The Pret Foundation
We exist to make a difference to the lives of people affected by hunger, poverty, and homelessness.
We donate as much of our unsold freshly made food as possible at the end of every day to people who need it most and offer financial grants to grassroots charities. We help break the cycle of homelessness by providing training and employment at Pret, giving people who need it a second chance through our Rising Stars programme.
Donate today to support someone facing homelessness into employment.
Welcoming 500 more Rising Stars by 2028
We’re proud to have partnered with His Royal Highness, Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s Homewards Programme in its mission to demonstrate that together it’s possible to end homelessness.
Over the next five years, we’re committed to expanding the Rising Stars Programme by supporting 500 more people facing homelessness into jobs at UK Pret shops.
We were honoured to welcome Prince William and Homewards advocate Steven Bartlett to our Bournemouth shop to launch the partnership, giving them the chance to meet with our inspiring Rising Stars, learn about their experiences and even help serve coffee to our surprised customers.
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Want to know more about The Pret Foundation?
Take a look at our work tackling hunger, poverty and homelessness around the world.
Reducing waste and hunger
We’ve always tried to reduce the waste from our shops. We take surplus food to shelters and give it to the people who need it most. For some, it’s their only meal of the day. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.
Our Rising Stars programme
Giving people an opportunity is central to The Pret Foundation’s mission. People with a criminal record or without an address find it extra hard to break the cycle of homelessness and make a new start. Our Rising Stars programme provides that opportunity. We put the person first, providing them with everything they need to get, and keep a job. From training and travel to weekly support groups, your donation supports this essential work.
Supporting charities
The Pret Foundation supports charities and projects working to help homeless people throughout the UK in communities local to Pret shops. Beyond food donation to shelters and hostels, we also support smaller charities with anything they need; from sleeping bags and kitchen equipment, to funding jobs that are crucial to keeping these much-needed organisations alive.
Shooting Stars
In 2015 we launched the Shooting Stars scheme. Each year eight of our Rising Stars take on an eight-month program of workshops and off-sites where they master additional skills to help climb the career ladder (whether that be within Pret or beyond).
More about The Pret Foundation
Find out how your donation is spent, the difference we’ve made or how to get in touch with us by visiting our FAQ page.
Ukraine Employment Programme
Since launching in spring 2022 we have placed over 200 people through the Ukraine Employment Programme, supporting them with financial aid, mental health support and English language tuition alongside job opportunities at Pret. Many have progressed into roles such as baristas, hot chefs, team leaders with some training to become assistant managers. We care deeply and welcome everyone.