29 September 2023
belVita and Big Zuu turn people’s smiles into meals after research reveals that the more we give, the happier we feel
New research has revealed the power of positivity, with 81% of Brits more likely to help others when feeling positive.
Harnessing the power of positivity, belVita has launched its ‘Give a Smile’ campaign to make a meaningful impact on the fight against food insecurity. Partnering with FareShare, belVita is asking you to ‘Give a Smile’ to help provide the equivalent of 100,000 meals to those in need.
Amy Lucas, belVita Brand Manager at Mondelēz International, said: “At belVita, we believe in the power of positive energy and understand that even the smallest of actions such as smiling at a stranger can make their day ‘that’ much better. This inspired us to use the power of a smile to spread positivity, ultimately helping others in need.
Many in the UK experience food insecurity, which is something that we want to change. Our mission is to use the power of positivity for a greater good, and through the nation’s smiles, help to fight food poverty by donating meals to FareShare.”
Research into the power of positivity reveals that 78% of Brits feel that the more they give back, the more positive they feel. This creates a positivity loop, with eight in 10 people agreeing that helping others creates a ripple effect and encourages others to do the same. One in four Brits said that feeling upbeat inspires them to give back to their local community, either by donating to or volunteering for a charity (39%), picking up litter (26%), or offering someone a hot drink or meal (24%).
But what makes people feel positive? The report reveals that the top acts influencing positivity include:
This has inspired the launch of the belVita Smile Society, a group of individuals charged with spreading positivity to help belVita on its smile-collecting mission. Led by DJ, TV presenter and chef Big Zuu, the Smile Society took to the streets of London to spread positivity far and wide. Complimenting strangers, performing impromptu rap verses and breaking into renditions of people-pleasing chart-toppers, Big Zuu and his squad managed to turn even the gloomiest of scowls into a smile. Watch here as Big Zuu leads the Smile Society through London.
Big Zuu, Head of the belVita Smile Society says: “Leading the Smile Society and supporting belVita in its mission to spread positivity has been really important to me – because in doing so, we’re giving back to others, and taking part in the battle against food insecurity.
The Give a Smile, Help Fight Food Poverty initiative isn’t just encouraging people to feel more positive in their daily lives; it’s helping some of the more vulnerable people in society, using the power of a smile. I hope it inspires us all to be a bit kinder and to use our positive energy for good.”
belVita’s ‘Give a Smile’ campaign aims to generate awareness of food insecurity, whilst promoting a positive cycle of giving back. By encouraging individuals to engage in acts of kindness and positivity, the campaign aims to foster a sense of community involvement and shared responsibility.
Small acts of kindness such as smiling at a stranger can go a long way. Now, your smile can go even further, enabling FareShare to redistribute good-to-eat, surplus food to the 13.3 million people currently facing food insecurity in the UK.
For each smile registered by interactive facial recognition billboards positioned across the UK, or donated via the campaign website, belVita will donate the equivalent of one meal to FareShare, allowing you to help fight hunger simply by giving a grin.
Donating a smile and joining the fight against food insecurity couldn’t be easier. The campaign is live until Monday 30 October, so spread some positivity with belVita and Fareshare by visiting one of belVita’s interactive billboards or registering your smile online now.
