FOOD FOR ALL (Charity number 1077897) is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, nutritionally balanced meals to vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, primarily in London. The charity operates with a strong community self-help philosophy, focusing on serving the homeless, single parents, the elderly, unemployed individuals, people with mental and physical disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

Mission and Activities

The core mission of FOOD FOR ALL is to recognize food as a fundamental human right and ensure that nutritious meals reach those in need both locally in London and internationally. The charity collects surplus food that would otherwise be wasted, predominantly from supermarkets and other donors, and transforms it into hot, nutritious meals. These meals are then distributed to those in need across various locations in London, up to six days a week.

Operations and Scale

FOOD FOR ALL runs a network of kitchens staffed entirely by volunteers who prepare and distribute approximately 6,000 meals daily, with the capacity to serve up to 20,000 meals per day. The organization’s open-door volunteer policy fosters community engagement, allowing anyone to contribute either in-person or remotely through administrative support. Their volunteer base is extensive, involving around 100 volunteers coordinated by five trustees.

In addition to its local efforts, FOOD FOR ALL has extended its impact internationally. The charity established and operates multiple kitchens in Ukraine to help feed refugees amid the conflict there and responded rapidly to humanitarian crises such as the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria by setting up meal distribution centers for survivors and rescue workers.

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending July 31, 2023, FOOD FOR ALL reported an income of approximately £496,692 and expenditures totaling £550,696. The charity does not have any trading subsidiaries and trustees do not receive remuneration for their roles.

Impact and Recognition

FOOD FOR ALL’s work emphasizes sustainability by diverting food from waste streams and transforming it into meals for those facing food insecurity. The charity has been recognized for its rapid and effective response during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where it adapted to deliver meals to isolated individuals at home, maintaining essential support under challenging conditions.

Summary

FOOD FOR ALL exemplifies a volunteer-driven, community-focused approach to combating hunger and food waste in the UK, with a significant footprint in London and a growing presence on the international stage. Its model of collecting surplus food to create nutritious meals supports thousands daily and provides a blueprint for sustainable food relief efforts worldwide.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3958805 [2] https://foodforalluk.com [3] https://foodforalluk.com/about-us/ [4] https://benevity.com/resources/food-for-all [5] https://feedingbritain.org