How to support locally and reduce hunger in the UK
Across the UK, over 14 million people are facing food insecurity. With increasing food prices and a high cost of living, many people are in desperate need of support.
A lot of our work happens overseas, but it’s important that we support our local communities too. As our organisation grows, we’re creating more opportunities for volunteers across the UK, at our local hubs, kitchens and community meal distributions.
Even a small step is an important step, and we want to make a real difference to families here at home. Here are 3 ways you can help your local community and reduce hunger in the UK.
1. Reduce food waste at home
Every year, UK homes waste 6.4 million tonnes of food (WRAP) - enough to make over 15 billion meals.
Reducing our food waste is essential for improving food security across the UK. It helps by increasing the global food supply, lowering food costs and conserving vital resources.
To start reducing your food waste, you could try:
- Planning your meals - that way, you’ll only buy what you need
- Eating your leftovers - they can be lunch tomorrow, or frozen for another day
- Checking expiry dates before you buy - if you won’t finish it in time, find one with a longer date
The less food we waste, the more accessible it becomes for others - and the better it is for the environment. UK food waste generates around 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year (WRAP).
2. Donate to and volunteer at local kitchens
To support your community, you could gather and donate food supplies to your local food bank or homeless shelter. Set up a collection at your community centre, workplace or university, or collect unsold food from campus cafes and supermarkets.
Another way to get involved with fighting hunger is by volunteering at your local community kitchen. Charity Meals has kitchens all over the country where you can help to prepare, cook and serve meals to people who need them most, so you can tackle food insecurity, build social connections, and be a part of a safe, welcoming space.
3. Fundraise for Charity Meals
Fundraising is a great way to make a difference in your community; every single pound you raise helps us serve more meals. Host an event, take on a challenge or rally your community to raise money for people in need.
If you’re a student, university societies often organise food collections, charity campaigns and educational workshops - these societies are perfect for raising awareness and gathering more people to support your work.
Need some inspiration to kick off your fundraising?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bake sales or craft fairs
- Sponsored challenges like runs, hikes, cycles or step-a-thons
- Team quizzes
- Dress up/down days
- Digital campaigns like birthday giving
When you organise your event, partner with Charity Meals to help the funds you raise feed people in need across the UK.
How to take action with Charity Meals today
We want to build a future where everyone has access to nourishing meals - but we can’t do it without you. There are countless ways to get involved and support Charity Meals throughout the year, as a university, workplace, community group, or by simply volunteering on your own.
If you’re a university student or society, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can spark real change and ensure no one in our communities goes to bed hungry.
