19 December 2024
FareShare’s survey highlights how food insecurity can cause loneliness and isolation
Would you invite a neighbour to share your Christmas dinner, if you knew they were struggling because of the cost-of-living crisis? According to a new survey from food charity FareShare, conducted by YouGov, less than half of us (42%) would, while 36% said they were unlikely to.
The charity says the survey shows that many people are still unaware of the impact food insecurity has to fuel both loneliness and social isolation. At a time when communities should be coming together for some Christmas spirit, many who are struggling with the cost of living may be spending much of the festive period alone.
DONATE TO FARESHARE TO TURN SURPLUS FOOD INTO MEALS
FareShare, the UK’s leading food redistribution charity, harnesses the power of surplus food to strengthen communities. FareShare turns what would otherwise go to waste into millions of meals for people in need, through its network of over 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK.
Over winter FareShare expects to deliver the equivalent of 50 million meals to people in need, a 7% increase on volumes compared to the same period last year.
FareShare says the survey highlights how shared meals can be more than just food, they can be a way to bring communities together. The charities FareShare supports use food as a gateway to other vital services, including homelessness shelters, older people’s lunch clubs, breakfast clubs, community centres, and hospices.
By donating just £1, FareShare can deliver up to five meals worth of surplus food to its network of charities, from homelessness shelters to after-school and breakfast clubs, domestic abuse refuges, and older people’s lunch clubs.
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Organisations such as ECO (Edlington Community Organisation) in Yorkshire receive food from FareShare every week and use the surplus food to stock a community market.
Sam Siddall MBE, ECO’s Manager said: “The community comes to ECO predominantly for the food market, which stock includes the high-quality surplus food from FareShare, alongside other support services. So a food shop for a young family could result in them getting school uniform or nappies donated. Once our community comes to the food market, they’ve paved the way for further support.
"We have a volunteer who started coming here around Christmas time who was not getting out the house, and she was encouraged by another of our volunteers to join one of our social sessions and take some of the FareShare food. She came in, helped pack away Santa’s grotto and subsequently started volunteering regularly. She’s now employed by us to help run the community cupboard and helps us get food from FareShare out to people who need it. Beforehand, she had little interaction with anyone else. It’s these people that shape who we are, as they’re our community and we need to know what we can help them with."
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO of FareShare said: “At the coldest time of year, for many food brings people together building connections and community. When you’re unable to afford food, Christmas can feel particularly lonely despite being surrounded by festive cheer. The charities we support will be working throughout winter to bring people together and remind people who may be struggling that they aren’t alone.
“Demand for our food will increase over winter, as more people will seek both food and the other vital services our charities provide. FareShare will deliver millions of meals worth of great quality surplus food over the Christmas period, strengthening communities across the UK. By donating to FareShare this winter, you can help charities across the UK turn surplus food into meals, bring people together and help people to thrive, not just survive.”
The survey asked respondents to imagine if they knew that one of their neighbours was struggling financially, as a result of the cost of living. They were asked how likely, if at all, would they be to invite them over for Christmas dinner because of this. Other results found:
Just £1 can help FareShare provide up to 5 meals for someone in need this winter. Donate online at www.fareshare.org.uk
ENDS
