This month, The Sheffield 1000 are proud to donate £1000 to Food Squad, a volunteer-led project working to tackle food poverty and social isolation in Sheffield.

Food Squad began with little more than determination and some donated kitchen equipment. Today, their dedicated volunteers prepare and serve healthy, balanced meals for around 50–60 people each week, all on a pay-as-you-feel basis so that everyone can access good food regardless of their financial situation.

The project welcomes a wide range of people — including some of the most vulnerable members of the community, as well as individuals simply looking for a warm meal and friendly company. By creating a welcoming space, Food Squad helps build connection, dignity and a sense of belonging across the community.

Their meals are made using food that would otherwise go to waste, transforming surplus ingredients into nourishing dishes that bring people together. Using city centre premises to prepare their meals and The Showroom Cinema as the place where people gather to eat, Food Squad combines sustainability, community and compassion in a powerful way.

Our donation will help them continue this important work — providing good food, good conversation and a welcoming space for people across Sheffield.