After years of hard work, countless hours of volunteer effort and many lives being changed, Next Meal has officially been launched as a charity.
The official launch was hosted at the House of Commons this month, an event that was attended by politicians, government officials, and volunteers.
It marks great progress for Next Meal since we first began in 2017.
Founder Martin Stone said he was extremely proud of how much Next Meal had grown in such a short time.
Martin’s pride was shared by several prominent officials at the launch, who acknowledged the great success of Next Meal and applauded the work being done.
NHS regional director for London Sir David Sloman said Next Meal did more than just help provide people with food.
“It’s not just about giving people a hot nutritious meal, it’s about bringing people together, to share stories, talk to each other and get some warmth in their lives.
“Something we take for granted, but which many many people don’t have.”
Maria Goddard of Whittington Hospital said Next Meal was making real changes to people’s lives.
“Feeding someone is such a basic expression of caring. Lives can be saved and I believe they already have been by this simple signposting.”
Comedian Sean Lock, a neighbour of Martin’s who also helped with the original launch of Next Meal, shared a few laughs.
“I thought ‘Why not? Why not do something good? And maybe you’ll get something out of it for you – like George Clooney did for Nespresso’.
“I could be the Next Meal guy,” He joked.
The event was hosted by Hornsey and Wood Green MP Catherine West and Gravesham MP Adam Holloway.
Catherine said it was an honour to be associated with Next Meal and praised everyone involved.
Adam agreed and said there were a lot of soup kitchens in the country: “What this is doing is bringing them together.”
The launch followed another recent milestone, the second year of Next Meal Saturday.
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