Two Brixton organisations that help to feed local people struggling with the cost of living crisis are shortlisted in the National Hunger Awards.
Maureen’s Brixton Kitchen, based on Railton Road, provides free, home-cooked meals for local children from its garden grills.
Healthy Living Platform connects families to nutritious meals, cook clubs and local food hubs, as well as advice and other services.
Lambeth has one of the highest rates of food parcel deliveries in the UK, with 27,473 parcels distributed across the borough between 2023 and 2024, according to the Trussell Trust food bank charity.
Organised by The Advocacy Team political consultancy, the awards started with a national call for nominations from organisations working at the frontlines of food poverty.
Finalists were chosen for their compassion, creativity, and community-led approaches to building long-term food security.
Winners in each category – community, youth, innovation, partnerships, and voice – will receive a £1,000 cash prize to support their work. Winners will be picked by a panel of experts.
“Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in the UK and beyond,” said Lorriann Robinson, founder and director of The Advocacy Team/
“Latest figures show that around one in 10 adults and nearly one in five children in the UK are experiencing food poverty – an alarming reality that demands urgent action.
“Lambeth is home to some of the UK’s most inspiring food poverty campaigners.
“We’re proud to honour the compassion and creativity of local groups who are supporting neighbours, restoring dignity, and building long-term food security for the community.
“Through quiet dedication and practical solutions, they are making a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.
“They don’t do this work for recognition – but we believe it’s time their voices were heard and their impact celebrated.
“We hope these awards will amplify their work and inspire others to take action. Ultimately, we want to shift the national conversation on food poverty – from charity to systemic change.”
Other local organisations shortlisted include Ace of Clubs day centre in Clapham, which offers more than 20,000 hot meals a year, alongside clothing, laundry and essential services to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
London-born artists who have used their platforms to deliver food directly to families in need and nominated in the voice category are:
Fekky, a Deptford rapper behind an annual “turkey drive” reaching hundreds of households each Christmas, and AJ Tracey, who partnered with the Dalgarno Trust to deliver festive food packages across West London.
Taking place on Thursday 24 April at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the award ceremony will bring together community leaders, business figures, policymakers and artists to honour people at the frontline of the UK’s food poverty crisis.
