One in three Brits (32%) would be willing to volunteer at a local community kitchen – but just 10% are able to locate where their nearest one actually is, according to research.
Over half (51%) are unsure whether there is a kitchen in their area led by volunteers – compared to the three in 10 (31%) who know where their local food bank is, and the 26% who could pinpoint their nearest animal welfare charity.
Meanwhile, worryingly, as many as 86% could confidently say where their closest fast-food restaurant is, according to the OnePoll.com data.
And while half of Brits would be happy to give up five hours a month, on average, to volunteering, 52% are held back from doing so – due to lack of awareness of their local charities (20%), and a general lack of information (22%).
The survey of 2,000 adults was commissioned by KFC, and food redistribution charity, FareShare, to launch their “Bucket Bike”, to raise awareness of the need for volunteers.
And the pedal bikes, which are being trialled in Brighton, will see volunteers transport donations from the fast-food brand to the charities’ kitchens.
Jenny Packwood, from the fast-food chain, said: “It’s great to see how much people want to give back – but we need to do more to tackle low awareness of local charities.
“By bigging up the bucket bike, we want remove the awareness barrier, and shine a light on the tireless work of local volunteers, who transport our chicken from restaurant to community kitchen.”
The campaign forms part of KFC’s ongoing partnership with FareShare, which has seen the fried chicken chain recently hit the milestone of providing one million meals donated and redistributed to those in need.
Using donated chicken, the community kitchens operate as a local support hub for those facing food insecurity – offering hot meals or food parcels for people to enjoy at home.
Dan Slatter, chief executive officer at FareShare Sussex & Surrey, said: “Volunteering is such a wonderful thing to do – aside from the enormous practical help to our operation, there are huge benefits to combating isolation, and improving physical and mental health.
“Shining a light on food insecurity and the benefits of community cooking through this partnership, we hope that by spotlighting the wonderful work of our volunteers, more people will be inspired to take action and help their local community.”
Volunteer “bucket bike” delivery cyclist, Adam Hall, added: “Whilst volunteering, I have been amazed by both the amount of people who benefit from the food redistributed, and the generosity of people who have surplus food to give.
“I have lived in Brighton for 10 years, and always thought I knew the area really well. However, since volunteering, my eyes have opened to how many community kitchens, food banks, and other care providers there are, right on my doorstep, that I had no idea about.”