Released on behalf of the Lord Mayor's charity.
A Wythenshawe-based food company is disproving the adage that there's no such thing as a free meal.
This Valentine's Day, The Authentic Food Company, which produces ready-made meals for supermarkets, is pledging to donate 2,000 meals to needy people throughout the city.
Working with the We Love Manchester charity, which is the Lord Mayor's charity, Authentic Food is donating hampers of ready-made meals to the value of £3,500.
The frozen meals - including dishes such as hotpot, corned beef hash, chicken korma and chicken tikka masala - will then be distributed to a diverse range of community groups, refuges and drop-in centres across the city.
The hampers will be delivered free of charge by transport provided by Bramall Construction, which specialises in community regeneration projects.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester , Cllr Harry Lyons JP, said: "The We Love Manchester charity is a way that all Mancunians help each other and show their legendary largesse. And what better way to show you care than by treating someone to a quality meal that they don't have to cook or shop for? Thank you to both The Authentic Food Company and Bramall Construction for their generosity."
The Authentic Food Company also recently won the Business in the Community section of Manchester City Council's Be Proud awards, which recognise the work of community heroes.
Nik Basran, managing director of The Authentic Food Company, said: "We pride ourselves on our dedication to the surrounding community and we are thrilled to be working with the We Love Manchester charity.
"It's often said that the way to a person's heart is through their stomach - and our promise this Valentine's Day is definitely both heart-felt and gastronomic."
For more information about the We Love Manchester charity, which helps to alleviate the effects of poverty in Manchester , please visit http://www.welovemcrcharity.org/