Make Lunch
Community, belonging and meals that matter.
Does your church want to do more to build lasting relationships with children and families in your area – to support those experiencing isolation, anxiety and food insecurity?
In June 2024, the Food Foundation found that people with a diagnosed mental health condition were more than twice as likely to experience food insecurity (28%) than those without a mental health condition (10.7%).
Food insecurity and poor mental health are closely linked, with families experiencing one significantly more likely to experience the other. School holidays can be especially hard, with children missing out on regular meals, friendships, and activities.
Through TLG Make Lunch, we’re tackling one of the causes of mental health difficulties - a lack of meals on the table. Meeting basic needs is the first step in protecting a child's mental health.
TLG Make Lunch partners with local churches to provide food in safe, relational spaces where families enjoy can nutritious meals, fun activities, and a sense of belonging. In this way, everyday Christians across the UK support children struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing because of food insecurity, poverty and isolation.
By running a Make Lunch club, churches can respond to the mental health crisis on their doorstep and within their church community, bringing light into the darkest corners, connecting families with their church community and other local support services. Beyond the holidays, these clubs nurture lasting connections, ensuring families feel supported throughout the year.
Together, we’re making hope real for children and families going through tough times - with community, belonging and meals that matter.
Things had got so bad that my daughter's school had put things in place for us over the school holidays. One of the things we were told about was the Make Lunch club at the Baptist church in town. Make Lunch has turned out to be a lifesaver for us – a complete godsend. - Joanne, mum of one
Why partner with TLG?
By joining the growing number of churches offering TLG Make Lunch, your church will:
- join a national movement of churches transforming their communities
- build connections with those in need of practical and emotional support in your local area
- create a space for struggling families to experience a sense of belonging
- receive bespoke support and training from the TLG at every stage
- access streams of funding and other practical support
- have the confidence and understanding to support those affected by trauma
- be inspired with new ways to connect families into wider church life
Let us support you in the detail as you focus on the vision for your club, personalising it to fit your community and its needs. Our vision is to see TLG Make Lunch clubs transforming the lives of struggling children and families through churches in all four corners of the UK. Start your journey with us today by making an enquiry and downloading our helpful brochure.
Does your church already run a Make Lunch club?
Access your Kitchen Cupboard here!
This is a resource site for Lunch Makers - those of you who are overseeing the running of all our Make Lunch Kitchens across the UK. Log in here to access resources, ideas, recipes, policy documents and more.
Log in to your Kitchen Cupboard
Grow your team!
If you are a Make Lunch Coordinator or Church Leader and would like to refer someone from you Church to be a Coordinator or a Core Team Member, please complete the form here:
