- 87% of local charities within the FareShare network report that accessing food services helps people to feel less isolated
- Meanwhile latest ONS stats show 26% of the population feels lonely at least some of the time
- Support FareShare this winter by donating to the charity’s “Together at the Table” winter appeal and help people find friendship and community this winter.
Food redistribution charity FareShare reports that nearly nine in ten of the charities it supports across the UK believe the food services they provide help people feel less isolated and more connected to their local community.
As new data released by the Office for National Statistics revels that more than one in four people in the UK feel lonely or isolated at least some of the time1, FareShare believes that community food provision is becoming a vital tool to combatting the loneliness crisis.
FareShare is the UK’s leading food redistribution charity, supplying good-to-eat surplus food – which might otherwise be wasted – to over 8,000 local charities and community groups. These include community cafés, homelessness shelters, lunch clubs for older people and community centres, many of which offer hot meals alongside friendship, advice and a place to belong.
FareShare’s winter appeal aims to raise funds to get more good food to local charities this winter, helping them bring people together and support their communities at a time when demand is higher than ever.
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO of FareShare says: “FareShare redistributes food to over 8,000 charities and groups across the UK. The food we provide enables these groups to create meals – from hearty stews and steaming curries to warming bowls of soup – all made with care and served with dignity.
But our food doesn’t just fill plates; it brings people together. It helps create safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect, access support and feel part of the community. We hope that people will be generous in their donations to our winter appeal, helping thousands share nourishing food, warmth and welcome this winter.”
At Newbigin Community Trust in Birmingham, food acts as a gateway for people accessing support services, from a low-cost café that operates as a warm space to a weekly community lunch for around 30 people.
Wiam Maktari, Volunteer and Hub Co-ordinator at Newbigin Community Trust says: “When my family and I first came to this neighbourhood 9 years ago, I was a bit scared. I didn’t know anyone. Newbigin has made me feel like I’m at home. They don’t mind whatever background you are, whatever religion, they’re always there to help you.”
FareShare also provides food to hundreds of community larders and pantries, often working in partnership with other local anti-poverty organisations. In the New Forest, for example, weekly pop-up larders serve as focal points for accessing a range of services.
Oliver Stanley, Chair of New Forest Basics Bank says: “The social benefit of these larders is enormous. Some people tell us that coming to the larder is the only time during the week they can get out of the house. The community, the friendship groups and the interactions that happen at the larders really can’t be underestimated.”
To donate to FareShare’s winter appeal visit: www.fareshare.org.uk/winter
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