Last year over 6 million people took part in one of the 92,000 Big Lunch events organised across the UK, but last weekend it was celebrated as the Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch with events online, on the phone and on the doorstep- with proper social distancing.
Big Lunch Ambassadors Saira Khan and Dr Amit Patel were delighted that the event hasn’t been cancelled as they feel it is more vital than ever.
“Food is something that is very close to my heart,” said TV Presenter Saira Khan. “Coming from the Asian culture, eating together and sharing food is the core of family. That’s why I am supporting this initiative.
“So many of us haven’t been able to sit down and share a meal with friends, family or our community, but because of technology we can still have that vital experience. We can cook in our own homes then connect with people online, on the phone or on our doorstep. One in five people are living on their own in lockdown. That’s millions of people that have gone months without human touch. We are having to find new ways to stay connected. Even if we just arrange a time to open our doors and raise a cup of tea with the street, it is a way of checking everyone is ok and not feeling lonely or isolated. It lets people know they are being thought about.”
Dr Amit Patel credits community support for helping him cope with losing his sight six years ago. He is now passionate about reminding people of the importance of being good neighbours and reigniting community spirit. Last year he threw a Big Lunch party for his local area and invited members of the community that help him every day. This year he is determined to keep the momentum going. “It’s a great way to stay connected at a time when it feels more important than ever.”
The Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, usually attracts millions of people across the UK. Last year over 6 million people took part in 100,000 Big Lunch events. This summer for the first time in its 10-year history, The Big Lunch became The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch, with events running online, on the phone and on the doorstep from 6-7 June.
