You’d think an 11-show tour of Australia would keep Ed Sheeran busy enough. But no – our favourite red-haired global superstar has managed to pack his time Down Under with kindness too! Not only has he been singing for sick kids and their families in our hospitals and supporting local Aussie bands at their pub performances, Ed’s also spent his final days in Melbourne helping fight hunger.
The “Azizam” singer joined the team at food relief organisation The Big Umbrella in their Brunswick kitchen, where he cooked up some of his signature meals (Beef Bolognese Lasagne and TinglyTeds Chilli Chicken with Wild Rice!), before launching EAT.ATM – a smart food vending machine program that will provide free, hot, nutritious meals to people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
Ed Sheeran preparing meals with staff and volunteers at The Big Umbrella in Brunswick. Photo by Mark Surridge
Ed Sheeran preparing meals with staff and volunteers at The Big Umbrella in Brunswick. Photo by Mark Surridge
According to The Big Umbrella’s Justin Dickinson, each machine can serve 100 meals a day, and more, if they have the means to restock them. The first machines are being installed at Federation Square, with more locations across Melbourne’s CBD in the coming months, and there are plans to expand to Sydney and eventually, across Australia.
EAT.ATM launch at The Big Umbrella in Brunswick with Ed Sheeran. Photo by Mark Surridge
EAT.ATM launch at The Big Umbrella in Brunswick with Ed Sheeran. Photo by Mark Surridge
And yes, Ed’s signature meals will be available in the vending machines too, along with Metallica’s Meatballs with Smash Potatoes.
“Food insecurity is a rapidly growing issue in Australia, with demand for emergency food relief outpacing traditional service capacity. EAT.ATM has been developed as a scalable financially sustainable solution that expands access while complementing existing welfare services,” Mr Dickinson said.
The ultimate aim? To provide one million meals to people in need over the next five years.
Ed Sheeran holding up his Beef Bolognese Lasagne meals which will be distributed in EAT.ATMs. Photo by Mark Surridge
And if you’re wondering whether the general public can use the vending machines too – you certainly can. The EAT.ATMs operate on a “buy one, give one” model with every purchase donating money back into the program.
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So, how did this all come about exactly? Well…
The Big Umbrella has been preparing and serving restaurant-quality meals to people in need since 2010. They use rescued food and produce, and do their best work providing relief to communities affected by wildfires, floods and other natural disasters. In 2021, The Big Umbrella launched MG’s Kitchen, named in honour of the late Michael Gudinski, music industry icon, head of Mushroom Group, and mentor to founder, Justin Dickinson.
Fast forward a few years and Matt Gudinski, Michael’s son and current head of Mushroom, is continuing his father’s legacy. He helped facilitate the collab between The Big Umbrella and Ed Sheeran: “It’s a great way to get food to people in need and we are determined to do whatever we can to support the cause.”
Pssst….
You can follow The Big Umbrella on socials to keep up with all the awesome work they’re doing.
(Image Credits: Mark Surridge; The Big Umbrella)
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