The big impact of The Big Lunch

Each year, people across the UK make time to get to know each other a little better with a Big Lunch. But beyond the chatter, games, bunting, and cupcakes, those shared moments of conversation and connection have a much deeper and lasting impact.

The Big Lunch helps to break down barriers, reduce loneliness and isolation, build community spirit and encourage local volunteering. Bringing us all closer together.

From the moment the first invitation gets posted through a door, a street starts to change, growing local connections and a sense of belonging.
Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director

Here’s what we’ve achieved together

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Big Lunches held since 2009

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people took part in 2024 alone (1 in 7 of the UK population)

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raised at Big Lunch events for charitable causes since 2015

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say that The Big Lunch has created a stronger sense of community

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(7.1m people) say taking part has made them personally feel less lonely

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people volunteered their time to organise a Big Lunch in their community

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A celebration for everyone, everywhere

At a time when divisions in society are heightened, it’s heartening to see that The Big Lunch continues to break down barriers in communities and is inclusive and welcoming to all, with 93% of organisers saying that it’s a good way to bring people with different views and outlooks on life together.

Participants agree, with 76% saying The Big Lunch improves understanding between different ethnic groups and religions. Whilst 7.5 million people say it helps bring the whole of the UK together.

Inspiring planet positivity

In 2024 there was a focus on planet positive actions and creating the Greenest Big Lunch yet. Our Big Lunchers jumped at the challenge, with many taking action to reduce, reuse and recycle and put nature and the environment at the heart of their events. Take a look at Tracey’s story and how she organised a Big Lunch and Bake Off event to showcase food grown on her allotment!

Connecting people with nature

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(7.72m people) feel a stronger connection with nature and the environment

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say they were more likely to get involved in planet positive action

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say they intend to make changes to their lifestyle in order to protect nature and the environment following their Big Lunch

*Independent research collected from The Big Lunch nationally representative survey, the Month of Community nationally representative survey and two organisers surveys, June and July 2024.

The Big Lunch has been the glue which has connected our community, providing a purpose to share kindness and compassion with friends, family and the wider community. It has helped enhance good relations locally and is the catalyst for everyone to take positive action – making small changes, which in turn make a big difference to the lives of others.
Emily Mann, Research Manager

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Authored by Emily Mann

As our Research Manager, Emily has been managing the research and evaluation of The Big Lunch and the Communities team’s projects since June 2022. Following a PhD on the impact of school and community food projects, Emily worked as a post-doctoral researcher and conducted research with national and regional charities, as well as local authorities to help improve the lives of people and their communities. She is continuously inspired by the range of projects across the UK that help build resilient communities.