Ben’s Original™ has announced a new purpose-driven partnership with one of the UK’s most iconic and best loved charities, BBC Children in Need, pledging a donation of £200,000 which will go towards supporting children and young people facing challenges in communities across the UK.
The partnership is rooted in a mission: giving every child the chance to reach their full potential. Sadly, 31% of children in the UK—around 4.3 million—are living in poverty*, and 2.7 million are facing food insecurity**. Ben’s Original™ is proud to partner with BBC Children in Need to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across the country.
The campaign begins with limited edition “Pudsey Packs” of seven of the brand’s bestselling microwave rice pouches (including Golden Vegetable, Basmati and Spicy Mexican) hitting shelves in major supermarkets across the country, with further instore activation with the likes of Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Coop and Nisa. This will be followed by awareness campaigns and fundraising drives, all revealed in the weeks building up to and following the charity’s iconic Friday night live show on 14th November 2025.
This partnership with BBC Children in Need builds on the Ben’s Original™ “Keep It Original” platform, creating opportunities that offer everyone a seat at the table, in service of a world where children and young people can rely on the food they need, so they can develop their best original selves.
Nick Reade, general manager UK&I, Mars Food & Nutrition, said: “At Mars Food & Nutrition, we believe that food is far more than sustenance. It fuels our bodies, minds and connections – across tables and cultures. But unfortunately, for too many children across the UK, that isn’t the reality they face. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. We’re proud to be partnering with BBC Children in Need, with Ben’s Original, to take meaningful action on the rise of poverty and food insecurity.”
Liz Woodham, head of high value partnerships & philanthropy at BBC Children in Need, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Ben’s Original. Right now, we are only able to fund one in six projects that apply to us for support – every penny raised will help BBC Children in Need make life lighter for children and young people across the UK.”
For more information on the partnership and to donate and support its mission in tackling food insecurity across the UK, visit Ben’s Original – BBC Children in Need or scan the QR codes available on Ben’s Original™ packs in store.
*DWP Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2024 (March 2025)
**BBC Children in Need data 2025
