In Season 1, Episode 3 of the Talking Hospitality podcast, titled The Heart of Hospitality: Kemi Akinola’s Fight Against Food Poverty, we had the privilege of exploring how Kemi and her team at Be Enriched swiftly pivoted to support communities during the pandemic.
As CEO of Be Enriched, Kemi transformed her usual work of running community meals into emergency food distribution, delivering around 5,000 food parcels across South London.
It’s a powerful reminder of the industry’s role in addressing food insecurity—and there are modern lessons here that today’s hospitality leaders can learn from and act on.
Food Poverty: Then vs. Now
When Kemi took on this challenge, we were in the midst of lockdowns and uncertainty, with hospitality outlets closed and many people relying heavily on community support. Fast forward to 2024, and food poverty is still a stark reality in the UK, exacerbated by the current cost-of-living crisis. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that over 14.4 million people—about 22% of the UK population—were living in poverty in 2022, a number that has likely grown (Joseph Rowntree Foundation).
Yet, even as the challenge remains, the hospitality industry has new tools and insights to tackle this issue in innovative ways. There’s a stronger emphasis on community partnerships, sustainability, and technological solutions that allow hospitality leaders to do their part without major disruption. So, let’s dive into what hospitality businesses can learn from Kemi’s story and how they can make a difference in 2024.
1. Embrace Local Community Engagement
One of the most significant lessons from Kemi’s approach is the importance of truly understanding and engaging with the local community. Food poverty isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue; it varies widely based on local needs, demographics, and available resources. Whether it’s partnering with nearby food banks, offering excess inventory to local shelters, or even setting up a regular community meal, engaging locally makes an impact.
Example Action: Start with a community needs assessment. This could be as simple as connecting with local councils or community groups to identify specific food needs. Even occasional outreach can help build long-lasting relationships and mutual support.
2. Adapt and Respond Quickly to Demand
During the pandemic, Be Enriched quickly shifted from sit-down community meals to delivering food parcels. This adaptability was crucial and is something that can be a game-changer in today’s fast-evolving climate. With the current cost-of-living challenges, food insecurity needs are constantly shifting. Having a flexible approach—such as offering meals at discounted rates for locals or providing family-sized meal kits—is invaluable.
Example Action: Consider a menu or service option that allows for take-home family meals or reheatable meal packs. For a hospitality business, this can provide an additional revenue stream and address food needs directly.
3. Partner with Local Food Rescuers
Be Enriched’s work was amplified by connecting with other organizations and volunteers. In 2024, food rescue partnerships are more accessible than ever. Organizations like FareShare and Too Good to Go have expanded, creating ways for businesses to prevent food waste and support those in need at the same time. Many apps now make it easy to list surplus food at the end of the day, which reduces waste while feeding the community.
Example Action: If you’re not already, join a food waste app or platform. Too Good to Go allows you to list leftover food at a reduced price, while Olio connects local communities to share surplus. It’s an efficient way to prevent waste and contribute to tackling food insecurity.
4. Leverage Technology to Scale Impact
Kemi’s team had limited resources, but they made effective use of local networks and volunteer help to scale food distribution. Today, digital solutions make it easier than ever for hospitality businesses to coordinate surplus and extend their reach. From inventory management systems that flag excess stock to customer loyalty programs that incentivize meal donations, technology offers streamlined solutions.
Example Action: Implement an inventory system that tracks and alerts for surplus food items. Use these to either prepare community meals or set up a discounted menu for these items. It’s cost-effective and helps to address local food needs directly.
5. Create a Culture of Giving Back in the Workplace
In Kemi’s story, it wasn’t just Be Enriched stepping up—it was a team effort from staff and volunteers who were passionate about helping. Building a workplace culture that values community support can inspire similar enthusiasm among your team. Encourage staff to volunteer or engage with local charities, and consider offering paid volunteer days or team volunteering events. It’s good for morale and strengthens the community.
Example Action: Organize a “Volunteer Day” where your team spends a few hours at a local food bank or soup kitchen. Not only does this benefit the community, but it also builds team cohesion and reflects well on your business.
6. Educate and Engage Customers
One thing that Kemi touched on in the podcast is that people want to feel good about where they’re spending their money. Customers today increasingly value businesses that give back to the community. Create opportunities for customers to contribute, whether by rounding up their bill to support food banks or by creating an option for them to sponsor a meal for someone in need.
Example Action: Implement a “Round Up for Charity” initiative where customers can round their bills up to the nearest pound, with the difference going directly to a local food charity. You can share the impact of these donations monthly through your newsletter or social media.
7. Support Long-Term Solutions, Not Just Immediate Needs
While emergency food relief is essential, it’s equally important to support initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity. Consider backing programs that focus on food education, job training, or cooking skills for disadvantaged communities. This kind of support offers a more sustainable approach to reducing poverty in the long term.
Example Action: Partner with local organizations or educational institutions to offer basic cooking classes or food handling courses. This helps individuals develop skills they can use to save money and improve nutrition in their own homes.
Final Thoughts
Listening to Kemi’s story on Talking Hospitality really drives home the impact that the hospitality industry can make, especially when it comes to alleviating food poverty. Her quick pivot during a crisis shows us that even small actions, when scaled through partnerships and community engagement, can have a significant impact.
For today’s hospitality leaders, it’s about recognizing that food poverty remains an urgent issue and that the industry is uniquely positioned to help. Whether it’s offering excess stock, organizing community meals, or supporting local food banks, there’s a role for every business.
For more insights and inspiration, check out the full episode on Talking Hospitality, and visit Be Enriched to see how they continue to make a difference. Together, we can help ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, one community at a time.
