New data released by the Office for National Statistics reveals that more than one in four people in the UK feel lonely or isolated at least some of the time. FareShare believes that community food provision is becoming a vital tool to combatting the loneliness crisis.
FareShare is the one of the UK’s leading food redistribution charities 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.
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, chief executive of FareShare, said: “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.”
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. To donate to FareShare’s winter appeal visit: www.fareshare.org.uk/winter.