8.4 million people within the UK are struggling to put food on the table. This figure is likely to go up in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Open Kitchens have been opening up kitchens across the UK to ensure food could reach families, communities and people who have been isolated and devasted by the Coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns.

Find out what Vicky McClure, Penny Lancaster, Hilton Hotels and 12,000 school children have in common.

In this episode co-hosts Sarah Kettel and Timothy R Andrews speak with Lisa Carey from Open Kitchens.

About The Episode:

The conversation with Lisa Carey, who leads onboarding at Open Kitchens, unveils a heartfelt narrative of community-driven efforts to combat food insecurity in the UK. As the pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities within the hospitality industry, Open Kitchens emerged as a beacon of hope, uniting restaurants to provide nutritious meals for those struggling to afford food.

Lisa's insights highlight the stark reality of food poverty, with statistics revealing that 8.4 million people in the UK face challenges in accessing adequate nutrition, particularly children. This episode dives deep into the operational framework of Open Kitchens, illustrating how they leverage local restaurants to produce meals at a fraction of the cost, thus making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Listeners gain a rich understanding of how the initiative operates, including the crowdfunding model that allows kitchens to solicit donations to cover meal preparation costs. Lisa shares inspiring stories from those who have benefited from the initiative, such as Bill, who had been living on meager meals until Open Kitchens provided him with wholesome, ready-to-eat options.

The episode also discusses the collaborative efforts with celebrities like Vicky McClure and Penny Lancaster, whose involvement not only raises awareness but also galvanises support from the broader community. This celebrity endorsement has proven vital in attracting volunteers and donations, enhancing the program's reach and impact.

As the podcast unfolds, Timothy and Sarah engage Lisa in a discussion about the evolving landscape of community support post-pandemic. They explore how attitudes toward food security have shifted, encouraging a collective action mindset among individuals and businesses alike.

The narrative weaves in themes of resilience, hope, and the fundamental human connection that drives these initiatives.

For anyone interested in social responsibility, the hospitality sector, or community engagement, this episode resonates with powerful messages of collaboration and the transformative potential of coming together to support those in need.

Takeaways:

• Open Kitchens is a national initiative that connects restaurants with communities to address food insecurity.
• The collaboration between restaurants and local communities has raised over £340,000 for meals.
• Celebrity endorsements, like those from Vicky McClure, significantly amplify the reach of community initiatives.
• The pandemic highlighted the critical need for nutritious meals for vulnerable populations in the UK.
• Open Kitchens provides a structured platform for restaurants to crowdfund meal production costs effectively.
• The initiative has expanded its reach from Nottingham to various cities, including London and Cardiff.

More Resources:

• For more episodes and insights, visit the Talking Hospitality Blog: https://www.talkinghospitality.com/blog/
• For courses on Hospitality and the subjects discussed visit: https://www.educatinghospitality.co.uk/

For more info on Open Kitchens: https://openkitchens.co.uk/

Ways you can help: https://openkitchens.co.uk/help

Episode Additional Info:

Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Music: Brain Power by Mela, freemusicarchive.org & Pawel Sikorski