Who We Are
Giving Purpose to Surplus across the UK
Background
Established in 2005, ECE forms a consortium with other charities, faith groups, projects and organisations. They manage and help to distribute the food/groceries and clothing items within the local communities across the UK, on behalf of ECE. We have sustained our social enterprise through the goodwill and hard work of over 400 drivers and countless volunteers, who contribute their time, transportation and finance to this worthy cause.
June Ross MBE
Founder and CEO
June, a qualified Social Worker and Welfare Officer, co-ordinates and manages Esther Community Enterprise. She is certified in the area of Health and Hygiene. Her empathy and commitment to our beneficiaries derives from her employment history in social services of 17 years, working in the areas of Mental Health, Children and Families and the Elderly.
She demonstrates the necessary creative flair and business acumen to sustain and manage the enterprise. June has extensive experience in people participation, networking and social cohesion.
June has written a book about her journey which is on Amazon. For a signed copy, please click to purchase
MBE
On the 10th June 2016 - The Queens 90th Birthday Honour List, June was awarded an MBE for being Founder and CEO and providing a service to the disadvantaged.
Awards
On 2nd June 2011, ECE was awarded with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, MBE. This is the highest award given to voluntary groups in the United Kingdom, and as such, is equivalent in status to the MBE.
June was featured in the Voice newspaper and Keep the Faith magazine, as being the first black woman to run one of the largest food services in the UK.
In November 2019, June was honoured to receive the Baton Award BAME at the House of Lords under the third sector category.
The Baton Awards is the leading platform for recognising BAME FEMALE PIONEERS in Britain. The prestigious Awards both acknowledge Britain’s BAME pathfinders and celebrate the future pioneers of tomorrow across diverse sectors at The House of Lords.
Inspiration
Inspired by the biblical story of the daily collection of food (manna), June Ross approached food retailers who were throwing away good food that could be eaten, into landfill sites. Having experienced those in need in her employment within social services, June believed a difference could be made, by redirecting food to those who would benefit from it.
“For many of our beneficiaries, choosing to pay a bill or putting food on the table is a constant worry. Accepting food in this way can be a very humbling experience”.
ECE feeds in excess of 40,000 people per week, and this is steadily on the increase as we expand across the UK.