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In the UK, unhealthy diets are estimated to cause more than 75,000 premature deaths each year and people with low socioeconomic status are more likely to live with, and die from diet-related diseases.
Such alarming findings underscore the critical need for effective interventions to promote healthier eating habits and address the impact of diet on public health.
Every week FoodCycle volunteers take surplus food and turn it into nutritious meals for their community. We believe that the act of sharing meals through community dining can create behavioural change and wanted to investigate the potential longer-term impact that meals like this can have on both people and the planet.
This report, written by the British Nutrition Foundation consisted of a rapid literature review as well as a survey amongst FoodCycle guests and volunteers. Many thanks to our corporate partner Danone UK & Ireland, who funded this report.
are linked to poor diet (FSA 2022)
are currently living with obesity (NHS 2023)
eat a health balanced diet (Scheelbeek et al. 2020)
is the annual cost of obesity (Frontier Economics 2022)
live in 'food insecure' households
is from food production
Healthier eating means a healthier planet – following the Eatwell Guide or other healthier plant-rich dietary patterns can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Community dining can create multiple points of contact, facilitating experiences that include volunteer networks and support for underlying issues related to food insecurity.
Positive social interactions around food can lead to healthier, more sustainable food choices and improved overall wellbeing.
said they have tried or bought fruit or vegetables that they wouldn’t normally eat
reported positively changing their eating habits since attending the community meals
report eating more plant sources of protein, including pulses like kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils.
Some research suggests that when people eat with others they tend to consume more fruit and vegetables. 71% of FoodCycle guests said they have tried or bought fruit or vegetables that they wouldn’t normally eat as well as increasing the variety of these choices.
70% of FoodCycle guests reported positively changing their eating habits since attending the community meals and two-thirds are thinking more about eating in a way that is better for the planet.
Over 50% of FoodCycle guests report eating more plant sources of protein, including pulses like kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils.
Since coming to FoodCycle around half the guests report eating less sweets/sugary foods (49%).
Dietary changes can happen quickly, with changes being reported in less than three months of eating at a FoodCycle community meal.
“It is clear that FoodCycle is having a valuable effect, tackling social isolation and encouraging healthier, more sustainable choices. By bringing people together, it fosters inclusivity, allowing everyone to participate and benefit. Importantly, it empowers communities to join together to make a real impact for those who may need help most.” Ayela Spiro, British Nutrition Foundation
Local authorities – Use this research to influence policy as well as signposting and promoting community dining services such as FoodCycle.
Government and Public health – Define community dining as a key pillar of social prescribing, use this research to support change and invite FoodCycle to speak at events.
Funders – Provide core funding for community dining projects, fund vital research in social innovation for health and invest in local infrastructure and facilities.
Businesses – Donate to, or fund, community dining projects, encourage employees to volunteer, partner with FoodCycle on longer-term initiatives and raise awareness of community dining and its benefits.
Schools, charities and community groups – signpost people to community dining services and contact us if you want to launch community dining at your school or group.
Individuals – Volunteer, donate, fundraise and raise awareness of community dining.
Registered charity No. 1134423 | Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349
Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349