05/08/2025
People experiencing homelessness face some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the UK. Research by Crisis shows that over 80% of people who are homeless struggle to get enough food, often relying on donations, skipping meals, or going entire days without eating. Among rough sleepers, the situation is even more severe: 92% had gone without food in the past month, and nearly half had not eaten for an entire day at least once during that time. Without regular access to cooking facilities, income, or safe spaces to eat, people sleeping rough are often unable to meet even basic nutritional needs exacerbating poor physical and mental health.
In Stoke-on-Trent, many local charities, faith groups, and grassroots volunteers are working tirelessly to feed people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. However, this essential work is often informal, uncoordinated, and under-recognised. The Mapping the Meal Gap Project aims to build a clearer picture of where, when, and how food is being provided to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. By identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities, we can create a report to inform an effective local response.
The Ask
To begin this work, we are asking people in our community to give us an overview of what is on offer for this group of people, and what the biggest challenges and opportunities are locally. To provide some of your thoughts, you can access a form we have created using this link: https://forms.office.com/e/T4PcLN4kdk
We are also keen to visit organisations and community groups that provide food for this group of people, to speak to staff, volunteers and people with lived experience to get a better understanding of the day-to-day issues, as well as the little wins that often go unnoticed.
Get in touch if you’d like to chat about the project by emailing: [email protected]
