desktop-image
Text that says 'Two ways you can help us to Cook Share Care' with a small orange heart symbol.

Food Friends are a community of people who cook, share and care to combat loneliness and isolation. Join us

Sharing meals,
sparking friendships

A woman in a blue jacket and red hat is handing a wrapped meal to a man in a checkered shirt, while a young boy looks on happily. They are outdoors at the man's front door in a wooded area during autumn.

Our meal-sharing initiative connects volunteers who love to cook with a neighbour nearby who’d really appreciate a delicious home cooked meal delivered with some company and conversation.

Discover how a simple shared meal can spark meaningful connection - and help us bring more neighbours together, one bite at a time.

Want to become a
Food Friends Volunteer?

A woman with purple hair and sunglasses receives a food container from a woman with short dark hair, and a girl with brown hair in a plaid dress stands beside them, all smiling outside a house.

We provide a unique volunteering opportunity for people with busy lives, built on people’s love of food, and its ability to connect those in a community who would otherwise never cross paths.

Line drawing of a bowl with vegetables and a spoon, with the word "Cook" underneath.

Do you cook too much? Rather than popping that spare meal in the bin,
or freezing it with good intention, sign up as a volunteer cook and do something great with that plate!

A plate with a fork and knife crossed over it, a squiggly red line beside, and the word 'Share' written below.

We will match you with a neighbour who enjoys the same type of food as you, who would benefit from your meal and a friendly chat. Most cooks share an extra portion of their home cooked food once a week. However, the volunteering role is flexible, with many volunteers delivering less frequently or more often.

Line drawing of two hands holding a red heart with the word "Care" underneath.

Kindness brings connection and as your food friendship grows you may find yourself having a chat over a cup of tea or sending a postcard whilst on holiday. We are here to support you in your food friendship, from making sure that first meal delivery goes well to supporting you with any concerns or questions you may have in the future.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here to get started!

Join our Newsletter

A simple, hand-drawn illustration of an envelope with a heart on it.

Join the Food Friends newsletter to keep up to date with our work –including good news stories, competitions, recipes and more.

Who we are

Three women sitting on grass at an outdoor event, hugging, wearing matching black shirts with a bowl of food graphic and the words 'Food Friends'. Live band playing on stage in background.

Food Friends combats food waste whilst bringing the community together with every bite.

Our volunteer cooks, armed with saucepans and a little bit of spare time, have shared over 13,000 meals so far. The project spans generations with our youngest cook aged 14 and our eldest Food Friend aged 99.

We hold two landmark celebration lunches throughout the year to bring our Food Friends community together – we love to celebrate the making of incredible new and lasting friendships.

Stylized illustration of a lightbulb with orange rays emanating from it, symbolizing an idea or creativity.

Our vision

Our vision is connected communities where everyone feels valued, visible and supported.

A stylized black hand holding an orange star.

Our mission

Our mission is to combat loneliness and isolation in communities through food and friendship.

A simple illustration of a red heart being held by a black hand with an extended index finger

Volunteer

We are looking to bring Food Friends to other areas of Kent. Interested in becoming a Food Friends Volunteer Cook?
Register your interest here today.

Stories from the community

Our founder Anna and her friend June

I’ve always valued community.
My grandma used to say: “you know Anna, it’s not where you live, but those that are around you that are important”
Read More

Two women smiling and sitting together at a table, celebrating a special occasion, with a birthday cake on the table and a wall with drawings and notes in the background.

Clare’s Special Birthday:
The Power of Food & Friendship

Clare celebrated her birthday with her volunteer Virginia, sharing a plate of classic fish and chips are. 
Read More

Two women standing at a kitchen table with plates of food, smiling at the camera.



Joan, Chloe and Theo’s food friendship

What started out as some volunteering for Theo’s Duke of Edinburgh Award has flourished into a firm friendship
Read More

A smiling elderly woman with gray hair and glasses sitting on a beige couch next to a young man with red hair. The woman is wearing a yellow cardigan over a striped shirt, and the young man is wearing a black and gray zip-up hoodie. They are in a cozy room with patterned curtains in the background.

Refer a Food Friend

Three women, including an elderly woman, standing together in a living room, holding a birthday cake, smiling at the camera.

Do you know someone who could benefit from a delicious home cooked meal delivered with company and conversation?

Whether you're thinking of someone you’re professionally supporting, a neighbour, family member, or even yourself - we’d love to hear from you.

Help us tackle loneliness and
isolation through food and friendship, bringing your community together with every delicious bite!

Outline drawing of a hand holding a pound sign coin between the thumb and index finger.

Donate today

3% Cover the Fee