The Big Lunch
Creating opportunities for communities to connect
Making time for togetherness is vital in the face of rises in poor mental health, loneliness, division and increasing polarisation. With Pears Foundation funding, through The Big Lunch, we know we can continue to build social capital and encourage new community connections by bringing millions of people together across the UK every June.Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Programme Director
The Big Lunch has been bringing millions of people together across UK communities since 2009, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, and increase feelings of safety, belonging, friendship and trust. We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Eden Project and hope our support enables them to continue to develop this brilliant initiative.Sir Trevor Pears
Partner since: 2024
Funding awarded: £3 million
Strong communities are built through everyday relationships. When neighbours know one another, they are more likely to feel they belong, trust those around them and work together to improve the places where they live. Yet loneliness, isolation and growing social division mean many people have fewer opportunities to make those connections.
Pears Foundation supports organisations that create opportunities for people to come together, recognising that simple acts of connection can have a lasting impact. We have partnered with the Eden Project since 2015 and, in 2024, became the principal funder of its flagship community programme, The Big Lunch.
Held each June as part of the national “Month of Community”, The Big Lunch encourages neighbours to share friendship, food and fun. What starts as a simple invitation to meet often leads to something much more lasting. People discover common interests, share skills and ideas, volunteer together and become more involved in their communities. Research has shown that participants feel a greater sense of belonging, are more likely to get involved in community activities and help create friendlier, more connected neighbourhoods
Over the years, The Big Lunch has grown significantly. Millions of people now participate annually in thousands of events across the UK, with more than £100 million raised for charitable causes since 2015, 70% of it donated locally.
Together, our partnership reflects a shared belief that bringing people together can strengthen neighbourhoods, increase a sense of belonging and encourage people to play a more active role in their communities.