Christmas is a challenging time for many, & with two million Londoners living below the poverty line, the festive season can leave older Londoners feeling isolated. That's why we want to provide a warm, welcoming space for communities to gather together this Christmas, sharing joy and a hot meal.
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Beneficiaries
Loneliness and food insecurity are urgent issues in South London. 41% of Vauxhall and Camberwell Green residents experience frequent loneliness, and 36% of Lambeth residents face food insecurity, surpassing the national average. Our Community Canteens transform surplus food into warm, nutritious meals, offering a vital space for connection for those at risk of isolation. This is especially important in the winter months, when many households are forced to choose between eating or heating.
Our Christmas Canteens provide three-course vegetarian meals made from surplus food, feeding residents a hot and nutritious meal at a time when many people are forced to choose between heating or eating. Volunteers will create an inclusive space where guests can eat, connect, and feel supported. In 2024, 88% of our guests said our canteens provided essential support and opportunities for social connection.
