Community spirit, which soared during lockdown, is waning as just 7% of Britons now feel “very connected” to their neighbours, a study has found. Three in ten adults admit they interact less with those living nearby than they did in 2020 and 2021, and 58% say they can go days or even weeks without speaking to neighbours.
The poll of 2,000 adults revealed that nearly half (47%) believe community spirit in their area could be improved. Food may provide a solution, according to a new campaign called the “Kind Communities Challenge”, launched by slow cooker maker Crock-Pot and former TOWIE star Lydia Bright.
Bright said: “Shared meals with family and friends is something I cherish. Food is not just for survival, it unites cultures and fosters understanding.” The study found that 61% feel special or loved when someone cooks for them, and 41% say sharing a meal helps them feel less alone.
Positive psychology practitioner Ruth Cooper-Dickson said: “Meaningful human connection through food is a fundamental source of happiness and wellbeing. Cooking brings us together, fosters acts of kindness, and strengthens our bonds.”
While 26% rarely cook for their community, 18% do so weekly or daily, mainly for friends (56%), extended family (53%), and neighbours (22%). However, 38% cite affordability as a barrier, and 18% say their cooking for others has decreased in the past year.
Mark Taylor from Crock-Pot said: “When cooking for others, food has the power to connect people, forming vibrant, thriving networks of love and support.” The campaign encourages people to share home-cooked dishes on social media using #KindCommunities for a chance to win kitchen items and £1,000 for groceries.
