It takes a village

Fuel, hope and opportunity for the next generation

In the early part of 2025, I attended the launch of the Norfolk Anti-Poverty Alliance Meeting which pulled together local organisations to focus on tackling poverty in Norfolk. I had no idea that I would leave feeling so shocked, disgusted and ashamed by what I heard.

I discovered that there are woefully high numbers of young families who not only rely on foodbanks to eat, but face increasing malnutrition. According to a recent press report, there are nursery aged children so hungry they’re trying to eat sand out of the sand pit, and under-fives who are unable to walk to the GP because of malnutrition (The Guardian, 2023).

Whatever social issues may have led to this situation, this is disgraceful, here in Norwich in 2026 and I know that together, we can do better.

I’m sure some of you are aware of Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs. According to Maslow, until our most basic physiological needs have been met, such as hunger, warmth and safety, the ability to develop the motivation or the resilience to thrive and grow is extremely difficult. We’re expecting some members of our society to achieve the impossible.

There are so many amazing organisations here in Norfolk, all doing incredible work to support our most vulnerable members of society, such as food banks and social supermarkets. And schools are doing an exceptional job of educating and raising the aspirations of our next generation. Still though, families and children are going hungry, and until these most basic needs are met, the jobs of these organisations will be so much harder.

When I'm hungry, I can't focus, I lash out at the people around me and I can make some pretty poor decisions until I've had something to eat.

We have set up EatSocial Norfolk C.I.C to host after school community meals for families. According to research from Oxford University and The Big Lunch, when people share food it can…

– Reduce loneliness and isolation
– Improve mental well-being
– Build confidence 
– Create stronger social connections
– Enhance social support

Sometimes people don’t have the money, the facilities, or the skills to produce a healthy and nourishing evening meal for their families. It’s also much cheaper to pool resources and cook together.

It takes a village to raise a child...

The well-known proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” emphasises the importance of support and involvement from the entire community, not just parents and schools. This includes businesses and individuals from the wider area, which is why we’re stepping up. We can’t change the world, but we might just improve the chances for some people in Norwich.

Ultimately, the community meals will be run by members of the local community who also use the service, providing wrap around peer support and encouraging community cohesion.