Brum Bites Back! is the new campaign from the Food Justice Network (FJN). We want everyone in Birmingham to have access to food, and we’re asking citizens and businesses to help us in that aim, and bite back at food insecurity.
We know Birmingham is home to hundreds of successful businesses that care deeply about the city. That’s the reason we’re asking them to get involved with this campaign. Food injustice in Birmingham is among the most acute in the UK. In one week last year 19,000 people were fed by a city foodbank, and more than 70,000 children in Birmingham do not have enough to eat. The idea behind Brum Bites Back is simple, host, give or share, and help others to eat well this winter.
Host: We’d love you to host a meal for colleagues and by doing so help to feed the whole city. The idea is simple, get together for a meal, a coffee and a slice of cake, or just team pizza, then those who feel able contribute to Brum Bites Back. They might donate what they’d have spent eating out, what they think it’s worth, or pop a pound in the pot. We’d also love for businesses to consider becoming a Brum Bites Back partner.
Hospitality businesses could host a Brum Bites Back evening, a set menu with a donation included, or perhaps just taking donations at the end.
Give: The most direct way to help – donate to the campaign. You can access the Just Giving site here, we’re also keen to work with corporate partners.
Share: Finally, we’d encourage those who doesn’t feel able to contribute financially to consider sharing their time or skills. Does your business have a contact who could help, knowledge that would be useful or time your staff could volunteer at an FJN project (there’s a map here)? Let us know through this form.
The Food Justice Network supports and campaigns for those experiencing food insecurity in the city. All of the money raised from Brum Bites Back will go directly towards funding bulk purchases which can then be shared across the FJN – another benefit being that buying in bulk saves money. We’ll also work to ensure less food is wasted, and more surplus is diverted to bellies not bins. With your help we can make sure that Brum Bites Back at food injustice, and that the whole city can eat well this winter.
We have a dedicated webpage and collection site, with all that you need to get involved, from recipe ideas, to hosting guides and social assets. We want to see what you’re cooking! #BrumBitesBack.
“We turn surplus food into 2,000 nutritious meals a month. All the food work we do is based on it being nutritious and accessible to those people who need it the most.” Vicky Hemming, Head of Food, The Active Wellbeing Society
The Food Justice Network began in the pandemic when demand created a need for individual voluntary groups to come together to tackle food insecurity. It delivers vital support to, and campaigns for, some of the West Midlands’ most disadvantaged citizens. The Active Wellbeing Society has supported the FJN since its inception and maintains a role as facilitator and advocate.
