Help feed 250 Vulnerable people in South London

At Be Enriched, our mission is to build stronger, more connected communities through the power of food and friendship. Our Community Canteens play a central role in this mission, serving as welcoming spaces where everyone is invited to enjoy nutritious meals, learn new skills, and forge lasting relationships. As the Cost of Living Crisis continues to impact Londoners, our Canteens provide essential support to those facing food insecurity and social isolation. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our donors, volunteers, and partners, which has enabled us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

This year has been particularly significant for our Community Canteens. Here are some of the key milestones we’ve achieved. Already this year, we have welcomed 2,265 guests to our Canteens, providing 6,795 delicious and nutritious meals made from surplus and locally sourced ingredients. We've also saved a whopping 2159KG of food! Our commitment to reducing food waste while addressing food insecurity has never been stronger.

We're also seeing record breaking numbers of volunteers and are set to suppass our efforts in 2023. Our Canteens are powered by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, including corporate groups who have joined us in our mission. These volunteers are not only essential to the day-to-day operations of our Canteens, but they also gain valuable skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for community service. We thank everyone who has taken the time to spend the day with us so far.

More than two million Londoners live below the poverty line, and the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis has exacerbated the challenges they face. Many families have been forced to skip meals so their children can eat, and stress and social isolation have become more prevalent. 47% of our guests reported that there was a time over the past 12 months when they were worried that they wouldn’t have enough food to eat. Our Community Canteens address these issues by providing a space where people can come together for nourishment, both physical and social. By offering a safe and supportive environment, we help alleviate the pressures of food insecurity and foster a sense of belonging.

In addition to providing a nutritious meal, our Canteens serve as hubs for community engagement, with 88% of guests agreeing that Be Enriched canteens provide a place for support and creating friendships! They offer a space where local issues can be discussed, problems can be solved collectively, and skills and experiences can be shared. This not only addresses the immediate needs of food and social interaction but also empowers community members to take an active role in improving their own lives and the lives of those around them.

As we reflect on the achievements of 2024 so far, we are filled with gratitude for the support we have received from our supporters. Your contributions—whether as donors, volunteers, or partners—have made it possible for us to continue our mission of enriching communities through food. With your continued support, we look forward to building on this year’s successes and making an even greater impact in the years to come.