#SecureTheHub campaign
We’ve launched the #SecureTheHub campaign to invite you to support us in protecting our Surplus Food Hub and keeping surplus food flowing to those who need it most in Lambeth.
Our community in Lambeth is facing a food crisis that demands urgent action faces a triple crisis, of hunger, poor diet and food waste.
Poverty and food insecurity
Nearly 22,000 Lambeth children live in poverty after housing costs.
Over one-third of pupils rely on free school meals
Single-parent families are hardest hit: 31% nationally experience food insecurity, more than double multi-adult households.
Lambeth Council’s Cost of Living Response Plan of 2023-2024 showed that 30% of Lambeth residents said they would find it difficult to pay for food in the following 12 months.
Diet-related ill health
Two-thirds of Lambeth adults are above a healthy weight, with obesity among the highest in England.
More than 1 in 10 adults may be living with diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed), concentrated in the borough’s most deprived wards.
Low-income families eat 30–37% less fruit and veg than the national average, fuelling obesity and chronic disease.
The high price of cheap calories
Families on tight budgets are pushed towards energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods because they are around three times cheaper per calorie than fresh fruit and vegetables (Food Foundation, 2023).
A healthy diet that meets the NHS Eatwell Guide costs the lowest-income households around 40% of their disposable income, making it unaffordable for many.
Children in the poorest 20% of households are twice as likely to be obese by age 11 compared with those in the richest 20%.
Cheap calories fill stomachs but drive long-term health costs - obesity, diabetes and heart disease - placing added pressure on the NHS.
Surplus food and waste
London households throw away 27% of their bin contents as food, nearly a fifth of which is still edible.
Nationally, the UK wastes 9.5 million tonnes of food every year – food that could feed entire boroughs while driving 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, almost five times the impact of aviation.
Meanwhile, families in Lambeth are skipping meals or relying on the cheapest calories.
Good food exists in abundance, but without infrastructure in place to deliver it, it is wasted while our neighbours go hungry.
The #SecureTheHub campaign, Is a shared mission to protect something that is already working to tackle this crisis. The Hub feeds households, fights food waste and strengthens communities every week.
“It is one of the most important pillars in our community, enabling many individuals who struggle with finances to get food given to them whenever they are in need.”
Did you know?
In the last year the Hub delivered as much as 204,238kg of food – that’s 34 double decker busloads of food – to around 40 local groups.
Since January, the Hub has made 84,092 donations to households – that’s over 8,500 people a week.
63% is fresh fruit and veg for a healthy balance.
It’s not just about food – the Hub supports community connection and resilience. Surplus supplies underpin pantries, cafes and community cooking sessions where neighbours meet, volunteers find purpose and residents access wraparound support such as debt advice or mental health services.
Community power
Crisis support: The Hub provides a reliable flow of surplus and purchased food to prevent hunger.
Skills and confidence: Through community kitchens, cafés and Food Ambassador training, residents learn cooking, nutrition and leadership skills.
Community-owned solutions: Pantries and food projects are led by local people, creating self-sustaining neighbourhood food networks.
‘...infrastructure can’t easily be rebuilt if it disappears... this network is incredibly precious’ - Helen Hayes MP on Lambeth Surplus Food Hub
“...infrastructure can’t easily be rebuilt if it disappears... this network is incredibly precious”
What can you do?
We need partners, funders, neighbours and friends! Everyone has a role to play to secure the Hub.
Share the Lambeth Surplus Food Hub story: Share on social media, use your networks and connect us with anyone you think might want to champion or fund us
Partner with us: Make a gift to drive long-term change, sponsor a key project or support our vital community services.
Corporate sponsorship and engagement: Fund vital operations, sponsor our vans or events, or book Volunteer Days with us.
Invest in the Hub: Fund part of the Hub’s operations (logistics, distribution, pantries, advocacy) or commit to a multi-year partnership to keep food flowing and families supported.