Participant Guidance
Your Food Budget
Each participant has £3 per person per day for all meals, snacks and drinks.Households can combine their budgets. For example, a family of four would have £12 per day to spend.Existing Food: Participants may use food and drinks already in their cupboards but are encouraged to calculate what that food would normally cost and deduct it from your daily budget.
Fundraising
Participants are encouraged to donate an amount equal to what you would have normally spent on food while taking part in the challenge.You may also wish to get friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you to take part, to raise awareness and open up a conversation about food insecurity.It would be great if everyone taking part raised at least £100.You can create your personal crowdfunding page HERE which links directly to the EatSocial Community Meals Project. Please add your Fundraiser name as: £3 Challenge.
FAQ’s
Why £3 per day?
People in the lowest-income households typically spend around £20-£25 per person per week on food and non-alcoholic drinks” or around £3 per day [ons.gov.uk]What is Food insecurity?
Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain ability to acquire enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. It spans a spectrum from anxiety about affording food, through reduced diet quality and disrupted eating patterns, to outright hunger. In 2026, UK data show that food insecurity affects millions of households (1/8) and disproportionately impacts families with children (1/6), single parents, disabled households, and those on low incomes. For more information Food Foundation Food Insecurity; House of Commons Food Poverty; Joseph Rowntree.Can I use food already in my cupboards/fridge/freezer?
Yes. However, we encourage you to estimate the cost of any food/drink you use and include it in your £3 daily budget. Can households pool their money?
Yes. Household members taking part can combine their individual budgets. For example: 2 participants = £6 per day or 4 participants = £12 per day. This reflects how we manage food budgets in real life.What counts towards the budget?
The cost of all food and drinks consumed during the challenge should be included: Breakfasts - Lunches - Evening meals - Snacks - Hot and cold drinks.Do I have to raise £100?
We encourage every participant to try to raise a target of £100. However, every little helps. The most important thing is taking part, raising awareness and helping support EatSocial Norfolk’s mission.How do I collect sponsorship?
Set up your own personal crowdfunder sub page HERE, which links directly back to EatSocial Norfolk C.I.C. You can then share your fundraising page by email and social media, send it to friends and family, and ask local organisations to support you.Is the challenge suitable for everyone?
No. The challenge may not be suitable for people who:Have diabetes.Are pregnant or breastfeeding.Have an eating disorder or a history of disordered eating.Take medication that requires food intake.Have medical conditions requiring a specific diet.
Your health and wellbeing should always come first.What if I find the challenge too difficult?
You can stop at any time.How will the money raised be used?
Funds raised will support EatSocial Norfolk CIC’s mission to nourish families and strengthen communities through welcoming community meals and related activities across Norwich.