I work on the frontline of food poverty. This is what hunger in Britain really looks like

World Hunger Day is always a reflective time for me – a chance to pause and consider what hunger really looks like here in the UK, and what it means for the young people we support at The MAZI Project. We are a Bristol-based charity with a mission to eliminate food poverty for 16- 25-year-olds. For small charities like ours, the food and health crisis isn’t a distant problem – it’s unfolding every day in homes, in kitchens, food banks, community centres and in the growing strain on our NHS. And it’s only getting worse. 

Surge in demand, collapse in support

In recent years, the need for food support has soared (just in 2025, over 7.3 million people were affected by food insecurity in the UK alone), driven by a volatile political climate, a broken food system, welfare cuts, and the erosion of local services. All of this is driving more people to small charities like us, and we are at risk of burnout. Right now, we have more than 30 young people on our waiting list – and it’s heartbreaking knowing we can’t help them, simply because we don’t have the capacity or resources.

Food inequality and a broken system

In a country facing rising obesity rates and an NHS under pressure, MAZI is more than just meals – it’s about nourishment, dignity and community. Through our meal kits, community dinners and cooking lessons we aim to promote healthier eating habits and emotional wellbeing.

But small charities like ours are often misunderstood. People think we are council-funded institutions or part of a larger system. The truth? We’re a team of two with a network of incredible volunteers we hugely rely on. We’re not backed by big infrastructure, just passion, hard work and a relentless commitment to feed and uplift our young people. But we’re at breaking point. 

Burnout behind the mission

Running MAZI has taken a heavy toll. I’ve led the charity for four years and in the past year I’ve experienced severe burnout – stress rashes, insomnia and emotional breakdowns. There have been months when I’ve cried most weeks, juggling endless funding worries with 12-hour days. I’m not alone.  According to the recently published Fair Collective report, more than 85% of UK charity leaders report struggling with their mental health.

The constant grind of grant applications, fundraising and proving impact is a full-time job on its own, so sometimes I ask myself: how long can we keep going like this?

Read more:

• Save tens of billions in public money by ending hunger – not slashing benefits, government told
• How ‘social supermarkets’ offer hope and dignity for people facing hunger
• Food banks are a lifeline – but not the solution. There are better ways to tackle poverty in 2025

Let down by the system

I feel deeply let down by the government. From welfare reform, including cuts to personal independence payments (PIP), to food industry lobbying, it’s often small organisations like ours that are left to pick up the pieces.

The recent decision to pause key environmental programmes and abandon healthy food discount guidance after pressure from ultra-processed food giants is just one example. 

Meanwhile, the young people we support fall between the cracks – no longer children, not yet fully supported as adults. They’re forgotten by systems that should protect them. And we’re left fighting for scraps to support them, often outcompeted by new initiatives in an over-stretched funding landscape. We’re building out our own revenue streams where we can, but that means time away from our core mission: feeding and uplifting our community.

What’s next for MAZI?

People often assume we’re a big organisation, but we’re not. We’re two people doing our best to support some of the most marginalised young people in Bristol. Thankfully, we’re part of a strong local network of charities here in Bristol, along with amazing volunteers and independent food businesses that support one another. But the private sector and government need to step up too – we can’t do this alone. 

I want people to know that small charities aren’t always OK. We’re running on passion, positivity and community energy – but those don’t pay the bills. We’re still here, we’re still fighting, but we need help. 

How you can help fight hunger

This World Hunger Day (28 May), we’re in the final week of our biggest-ever fundraiser – aiming to raise £25,000 to continue our work. So far, we’ve delivered more than 120,000 meals and supported 350-plus young people – including care leavers, asylum seekers and those overcoming homelessness.

If any of this resonates with you – whether you’re part of a small organisation, a policymaker, or just someone who cares – I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch. Let’s build something together: a campaign to protect small charities like MAZI, and in turn, the communities we support.

If you would like to support MAZI in any way, through volunteering, donations, or simply just by standing beside us please visit: The MAZI Project. 

Every bit of support gets us closer to a fairer food future.

Melanie Vaxevanakis is founder of The MAZI Project.

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