Laura Jarman, Bankueteer

Veganuary. Perhaps an exciting kickstart for a brand new, green lifestyle. Or simply a month-long vitamin boost for anyone who saw out 2020 on a diet of Quality Street and Baileys…

Either way - if you're joining the 400,000+ people giving this worldwide initiative a go, we’re guessing you’ll be slam-dunking your recommended daily fruit and veg intake this January.

But did you know that for 6.5 million people around the UK, getting their advocated five-a-day is little more than an unaffordable luxury? According to new research by plant based frozen food company Strong Roots, an alarming 1 in 4 Britons are thought to be in ‘Veg Poverty’. This means they’re unable to access or afford even the basic amount of fruit and vegetables recommended each day. Check your nearest Food Bank.

Veg Poverty figures are particularly damning in the capital (hitting 2 in 5 low-income Londoners) and amongst those aged 18-34 (45% vs. 22% of over 35s). Plus a third of parents are reportedly going without fruit and veg all together to be able to feed their children.

And poor access to nutritious food is only part of the issue. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and growing uncertainty around our post-Brexit food supply paint an increasingly complex picture of food insecurity in the UK.

So, this Veganuary we’ve joined forces with Strong Roots to open the UK’s first frozen veggie food bank. Based in Hackney, East London, this new service will be popping up for four weeks from 22nd January. It's aimed at directly supporting people in Veg Poverty in an area facing some of the highest food insecurity levels in the country.

Carrots over cans

Here at Bankuet, we’ve seen the UK’s network of 2,000+ food banks persevere to get care packages to those in crisis. But food parcels often lack the nutrients so crucial for the families reliant on them. Tins, packets and long-life goods are among the most commonly donated items. And most food aid providers aren't able to store and distribute frozen vegetable products.

Frozen veg might often be relegated to the depths of many of our freezers. But its natural nutrient density and reliably long shelf life actually make it a highly underrated source of nourishment for struggling, low-income households.

The frozen veggie food bank aims to make veg accessible to all - providing those in need with a more varied and nutritionally balanced food supply in a month where food bank donations are at their lowest.

Sustainable sustenance

And unlike the fleeting attempt at plant based living made by many this January, this chilly initiative marks the start of something far longer-lived. From this month onwards, as part of their Make Veg Poverty History campaign, Strong Roots will be partnering with us to provide freezers and frozen vegetables to our expanding community of food bank partners. The campaign aims to improve the mix and quality of donated food items and supports Bankuet’s ongoing mission to get food banks what they need, when they need it.

Stronger together

Here at Bankuet we’re driven by the desire to make sure that everyone has enough to eat. With 1.5 million people across the country going without food each day we know there is much work to be done. But partnerships like this one play a significant role in moving us closer towards seeing our vision become a reality

And you can too. Spread the word far and wide about our Hackney pop up or donate directly to the food bank here.

Want to be part of sustainable change this year? Bankuet needs your help to get food banks what they need, when they need it.