In a world plagued by chronic loneliness and financial instability, the harsh reality is that many people face these struggles without support. Yet, against this bleak backdrop, glimmers of hope shine brightly, as shown by the warmth and care provided by the many inspirational food projects who work with FareShare Sussex & Surrey.
Chronic loneliness has been on the rise for the past 50 years. The Campaign to End Loneliness reported that in 2023, an average of 7.8% of people felt lonely often or always. Of course, many more grapple with the pervasive feeling of loneliness to varying degrees, across all demographics. This reality is something that stands out across all the food projects we work with; a huge number of people are drawn not just by the food, but by the community. One such place is the Littlehampton Community Fridge, which holds donated food for anyone to come and collect for free.
One contributing factor to this ‘loneliness epidemic’ is the loss of ‘third places’ – a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe the casual meeting places outside of home or work, such as cafes, libraries, pubs, leisure centres, and youth clubs. After years of public spending cuts and financial hardships brought by COVID-19, many of these vital places which glue communities together have dwindled into spectres of a once-promising past. But in a heartening turn, food projects can often help to bridge this gap by serving as an accessible third place.
Knaphill Community Fridge is one of the many food projects we work with that emphasise community care, alongside reducing food waste.
“This place means a lot, because there are two components – the free food, and also the social aspect. The range of free food is absolutely fantastic – swedes, turnips, potatoes, broccoli… The social aspect comes from meeting other people, and there’s a more diverse collection of individuals that come here than you might imagine.”
Lunch Positive is another organisation partnered with us that provides healthy lunches and a social space for people living in and around Brighton with HIV. Deb, who volunteers in the Lunch Positive kitchen, said:
“It’s so much more than lunch, it’s soo much more than lunch. This is a very subtle community of support.”
“I was welcomed with open arms, and actually I was so low that one of the volunteers here recognised that and he just sat with me calmly and reassured me that it’s okay – everything in your own time. And from that time, I slowly built some self esteem and recognised the value of this important space for people with HIV, and just being able to have that space where you’re not alone. You know, people can share familiar stories and you hear familiar stories, and that’s really important.”
The Bevy, who also work with us, is a pub in Brighton which describes itself as ‘more than a pub, it’s a community’. They help to feed over 250 people a month for free through their social clubs. Barbara, who volunteers there, said:
“Some of the people get all dressed up. It’s the only day of the week they come out. And for some of them it’s the only real meal they get a week, apart from the ones that go ding in the microwave.”
The warmth of community for those that fall through the cracks is something valued across all the projects. Lawrence was homeless for a time, and discovered Warming Up the Homeless, a food project in Hastings, which provides free food to those in need. He said that one of the things he loves is:
“Familiar faces – sometimes you need people that you trust, and we trust this place, you know, from the staff to the guests… it’s like a second home. You know, just like, what is my mum cooking tomorrow? That’s how I see it.”
Providing both food and community, these projects partner with us to serve as ideal third places, helping to alleviate the loneliness pervading our society. Whether for food or fellowship, everyone is welcome. In our increasingly isolated world, the caring community they’ve each built is truly incredible.
Winter is a lonely time for many so these spaces that provide community and food for people are essential this time of year. Find out what you can do to support us this Christmas by becoming a holiday helper.