National Food Bank Day – Why Supporting Your Local Food Bank Matters

The first Friday of September marks National Food Bank Day, a time to recognise the vital work food banks do in supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity. 

In today’s world, where the cost of living continues to rise and many households struggle to make ends meet, food banks are a lifeline for millions.

The Importance of Food Banks

Food banks collect, store, and distribute food to those in need, often working alongside community groups, schools, and churches. They not only provide immediate relief but also act as a safety net for people in crisis, whether due to job loss, illness, or unexpected financial hardship.

In the UK, organisations such as the Trussell Trust and independent food banks across the country have reported record demand for emergency food parcels. For many families, these donations are the difference between going hungry and having a meal on the table.

How You Can Help

Supporting food banks doesn’t always mean donating money—there are plenty of ways to get involved:

Donate food: Non-perishable items such as tinned vegetables, rice, pasta, long-life milk, and tea are always in demand.

Contribute toiletries and essentials: Items like soap, toothpaste, sanitary products, and nappies are often overlooked but much needed.

Give your time: Volunteers are the backbone of food banks, helping with sorting, packing, and distribution.

Raise awareness: Share information on social media or encourage friends, colleagues, and neighbours to contribute.

Fundraise: From bake sales to charity runs, community events can raise funds that go directly to supporting food banks.

Food, Dignity, and Community

National Food Bank Day isn’t just about filling cupboards—it’s about showing compassion, solidarity, and respect. Everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and food banks ensure dignity is maintained even during difficult times.

It’s also a day to reflect on the bigger picture. Food banks should not be a permanent solution to hunger, but while they exist, they represent the power of community in action.

Final Thoughts

As we mark National Food Bank Day, consider what small action you could take to support your local food bank. Whether it’s donating a few items on your next supermarket shop, volunteering a couple of hours a month, or simply spreading the word, every contribution makes a real difference.

Because when a community comes together to ensure no one goes hungry, everyone benefits.

That's Christmas 365: Bored with Christmas Puddings and Cakes? Delicious...

That's Christmas 365: Bored with Christmas Puddings and Cakes? Delicious...: For many, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the familiar traditions of a rich Christmas pudding or a dense, fruit-laden Christmas cake....

A Taste of Austria: Vienna Soup Recipe

When you think of Austrian cuisine, your mind might go straight to Wiener Schnitzel or a deliciously decadent Sachertorte. 

But tucked away in Viennese kitchens is a hearty, flavourful classic that has comfort written all over it: Vienna Soup (Wiener Suppe). 

Traditionally served as a first course in Austrian households, this rich broth brimming with vegetables and beef is both elegant and nourishing.

What Is Vienna Soup?

Vienna Soup, sometimes called Wiener Rindsuppe, is a clear beef broth enriched with root vegetables and often served with semolina dumplings (Grießnockerl), noodles, or sliced pancakes (Frittaten). It’s a dish that balances simplicity with deep flavour – a reminder of why slow-cooked broths are so beloved across Europe.

Ingredients

For 4–6 servings, you’ll need:

500g beef shank or stewing beef (with some bone if possible)

2 litres cold water

1 onion, halved (charred slightly for depth of flavour)

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 parsnip, peeled and chopped

¼ celeriac (celery root), peeled and diced

1 leek, washed and sliced

3–4 parsley stalks

1 bay leaf

5–6 whole black peppercorns

Salt, to taste

Optional garnishes and add-ins:

Chopped fresh chives or parsley

Noodles, sliced pancakes (Frittaten), or semolina dumplings

Method

Prepare the broth

Place the beef in a large pot with the cold water. Slowly bring it to the boil, skimming off any foam that rises.

Add vegetables and seasoning

Add the onion halves (charred side down), carrots, parsnip, celeriac, leek, parsley stalks, bay leaf, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 2–2.5 hours, uncovered.

Strain the soup

Remove the beef and set aside (you can slice it thinly and serve alongside the soup or keep it for another meal). Strain the broth through a fine sieve to remove the vegetables and spices.

Taste and finish

Return the clear broth to the pot and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.

Serve

Ladle the hot Vienna Soup into bowls, adding your chosen garnish – noodles, dumplings, or thin strips of pancake – and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestion

In Vienna, this soup is often served as the elegant start to a meal, but it also makes for a light supper with some crusty bread. If you’re hosting a dinner party, pairing it with a crisp Austrian white wine (like Grüner Veltliner) will delight your guests.

Why Try Vienna Soup?

Vienna Soup is more than just a bowl of broth, it’s a taste of Austrian tradition. Simple, wholesome, and full of layered flavour, it’s proof that sometimes the most comforting meals are born from the humblest ingredients.

Water Poverty Alleviation Charity Starts Fundraising Plan for The Last Quarter of 2025

Herefordshire's water poverty alleviation charity, Hope Spring, unveiled its plan for the last quarter of 2025 recently. 

In a blog post on their website, the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) charity said the last four months of the year tend to be the busiest for fundraising.

The organisation wrote that September is widely recognised as the busiest month for birthdays in the UK, with more people born during this time of year than any other.

 A number of people marking or celebrating their birthday in September tend to send an online birthday card and make a donation to Hope Spring. From this starting point in autumn, the momentum builds steadily towards Christmas and New Year, when greeting eCard exchanges reach their peak and donations provide an even bigger boost to the charity’s projects.

“Every card sent in these months does more than mark a personal milestone or festive occasion,” a spokesperson for Hope Spring told That's Food and Drink.

“It helps provide something as fundamental as safe water. That means a reduced risk of waterborne illness, it means children can stay in school rather than spending hours fetching water, and it means women and girls can reclaim time and dignity. That’s why we say our eCards are the gift that gives twice.”

Hope Spring points to the final quarter as its most impactful period for a reason. The donations raised through eCards during these four months often set the pace for the projects the charity can carry out in the following year. Whether it is drilling boreholes, constructing wells, or providing hygiene and sanitation education, the funding stream opened by September birthdays and strengthened by the festive season makes the difference between scaling back or expanding life-saving interventions.

The September birthday surge provides a unique entry point. With data consistently showing that the latter half of September has the highest number of birthdays in the UK, the charity highlights this as more than a coincidence. For Hope Spring, it becomes a timely opportunity to encourage people to switch from traditional paper birthday cards to eCards. Doing so turns what might otherwise be a fleeting exchange into a meaningful contribution to a clean water project thousands of miles away.

Beyond the human impact, Hope Spring also stresses the environmental argument. Each year, the UK sends and receives hundreds of millions of physical cards, most heavily concentrated around Christmas. While many of these cards are recycled, a significant proportion end up as waste. The production process itself consumes vast quantities of paper, ink, and energy. By contrast, an eCard not only sidesteps this environmental cost but channels the money saved into something tangible, safe drinking water.

“People often underestimate the ripple effect of small choices,” Emmanuel, one of the charity spokespeople added. “When you swap a paper card for a digital one, you are not just cutting down on waste. You are actively helping a rural community that may have struggled with unsafe water for generations. That one decision can spark a chain of positive impact far greater than the sender might imagine.”

As autumn deepens, the charity sees a steady increase in activity on its eCards platform, often tied to seasonal greetings. By December, the trend peaks. The Christmas period has become not only a time of celebration but also the charity’s busiest fundraising window of the year. For many supporters, the decision to send Christmas wishes digitally rather than on paper has become an annual tradition, one that combines thoughtfulness towards the environment with generosity towards vulnerable communities.

The New Year period follows closely behind, extending the cycle of giving into January. For Hope Spring, this creates a continuous wave of support that carries into the early months of the next year, ensuring clean water projects are not just started but sustained.

While the focus is on fundraising, the charity is careful to frame the message in terms of empowerment rather than charity alone. Each donation, no matter how small, contributes to independence for communities who gain the tools and infrastructure to take control of their water needs. Hope Spring’s model emphasises sustainability, training local residents to maintain and repair wells and boreholes, ensuring projects remain viable for years after installation.

The charity believes that this final quarter of 2025 will be especially significant. With growing public awareness of both environmental issues and global inequality, the link between sending greetings and giving back resonates more strongly than ever. A birthday card in September, a Christmas greeting in December, or a New Year’s wish in January, each becomes more than a token of affection. It becomes a way to stand in solidarity with families who are otherwise left behind by global progress.

In a climate where many are seeking meaningful ways to celebrate without excess, the Hope Spring eCards platform has become a symbol of simplicity with purpose. The act of sending a card remains as personal and heartfelt as ever, but now carries with it the weight of making a tangible difference.

“Hope Spring eCards are proof that generosity does not have to be grand to be transformative,” Seun, a spokesperson concluded. “Something as small as a birthday card or a Christmas greeting can be the reason a child drinks clean water for the first time, or the reason a family no longer walks miles under the hot sun to collect unsafe water. That is the scale of impact hidden inside what looks like a simple gesture.”

As the year draws to a close, Hope Spring invites birthday well-wishers, festive celebrants, and New Year greeters alike to consider turning their words into action through digital cards. With every eCard sent, the charity says, joy reaches not just the inbox of a loved one but also the heart of a community waiting for safe, life-changing water. 

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Scottish Government’s Decision in Favour of Loch Long Salmon’s Planning Appeal

Welcoming the Scottish Government’s decision in favour of Loch Long Salmon’s planning appeal, John Urquhart, (PICTURED) the Chairman of the long established independent conservation charity, The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, told That's Food and Drink: “This is a victory for common sense. 

"It will bring much needed investment and job opportunities to fragile rural communities around Loch Long, plus encouraging others to invest in Scottish aquaculture, no doubt following the lead set by this innovative company, whose semi closed containment system puts fish husbandry standards, the health of the local natural environment and the local community at the heart of its operation."

He added: "Loch Long Salmon is one of many local businesses who sponsor our “Keep the Banks Bonnie” scheme, whose lay-by litter bins help manage the litter problem along the popular A82 Loch Lomond corridor, a fine example of how business can help deliver positive conservation outcomes.

"We believe the National Park’s refusal was another example where their planners seem to have been blind to the message that conservation of natural capital costs money and one of the best ways to help deliver it is by working in partnership with the businesses which need that natural capital looked after for their long-term success.

The Minister will soon deliver his decision on Flamingoland’s Lomond Banks application which also became the focus for much ill-informed and emotive hype, irresponsibly led by the Green Party’s Ross Greer, who, we feel, should know better. 

"There are many serious environmental issues which that party should rightly be highlighting, but neither of these proposals were ever one of them. Both offer excellent conservation outcomes with minimum environmental cost. Let’s hope the minister gets that and let’s hope that in future the National Park looks more towards applying its own stated policies on Partnership.”

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Exhibit Balham Celebrates 25 Years: An Enduring Legacy Venue

This month, Exhibit Balham celebrates its 25th birthday, a remarkable milestone in today's challenging hospitality climate. 

Since first opening its doors in 2000 as Balham's “youth club for adults,” Exhibit has grown into a three storey hub for food, drink and culture.

What began as a late night party venue has become a local legacy institution. Known for its restaurant dining, craft drinks, private events, and nightlife, Exhibit is also celebrated as a grassroots cultural hub, supporting emerging talent and giving space to community voices. 

From comedy and poetry nights to art classes and live music, it has been a creative home for South London for a quarter of a century.

Former local councillor Hannah Stanislaus, host of the Lost Souls poetry night, hails Exhibit as “a safe, inclusive leading establishment for the area.” 

Local artist Dan Whiteson, who has run classes at the venue, agrees: “The impact of my work with Exhibit has been wide reaching and wholly positive.”

When local operators Lisa Loebenberg and Emma Willis took over in 2019, they set out to modernise the space without losing its heart. Their vision was clear: elevate the food and drink offering, invest in service, and place community at the centre.

The pandemic could have derailed that ambition, but instead it became the catalyst for growth. Lisa and Emma doubled down, rethinking menus, raising standards, and opening Exhibit's doors to local groups and initiatives. 

That decision helped shape Exhibit into what it is today: an award-winning bar, restaurant, and events space that feels as much a part of Balham as the people who visit it.

“Guests guide us,” Lisa told That's Food and Drink. “When they asked for better food, we delivered. When community groups needed space, we opened our doors. Exhibit has always been about people first, our guests, our team, our neighbours. That's how we've stayed relevant for 25 years.”

That people first focus has paid off. Exhibit was named London's Best Event Venue in 2024, followed by Best Bar in London at the 2025 Muddy Stiletto Awards.

Beyond Exhibit, Lisa and Emma have expanded their impact across South London. In 2020, they opened SW16 Bar & Kitchen in Streatham Hill, and in 2023, they acquired Mamma Dough out of administration, transforming the pizza restaurant group into a thriving, profitable brand with continued growth planned for 2026.

On Thursday 25 September 2025, Exhibit will mark its silver anniversary with a day of community led celebrations, culminating in a late-night party with live music, DJs, complimentary drinks, and support from JUBEL peach beer.

“Exhibit has always been about people first; our guests, our team, and our community,” Lisa reflects. “This milestone belongs to all of them as much as it does to us.”

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 25th September 2025

Venue: Exhibit Balham, 12 Balham Station Road, London SW12 9SG

Tickets: https://www.theexhibit.co.uk/whatson

Want to eat well but don't have the time? Meet Kwikish and their Jollof Paste!

Kwikish is a modern African food brand that's designed to make cooking both quick, fun and flavourful. 

Their Kwikish Jollof Paste, helps anyone create authentic Jollof Rice in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for: 

Parents who are looking for fast, wholesome meals kids will actually enjoy.

Students who want tasty, nourishing meals after a hard day of studying.

Busy professionals juggling work and life who don’t want to compromise on flavour.

With one jar of Kwikish Jollof Paste, you can whip up a hearty one-pot meal with rice, pasta, or even a quick stir-fry, ideal for those looking for convenience without sacrificing the taste.

The History of Jollof Paste: A Staple of West African Cuisine

Few dishes inspire as much passion, pride, and friendly debate across West Africa as Jollof rice. This iconic dish, a richly flavoured, tomato-based rice dish, has become both a culinary treasure and a cultural touchstone, sparking the famous "Jollof wars" between nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and beyond. 

But while Jollof rice has achieved global fame, the story of the Jollof paste at its heart is less well-known.

The Origins of Jollof Rice

The origins of Jollof rice trace back to the Senegambian region of West Africa, home to the Wolof (or Jolof) people. It is from their name that the word Jollof derives. The dish was originally known as thieboudienne in Senegal – a rice dish made with fish, vegetables, and a tomato-rich base. From there, variations spread across the region through trade, migration, and cultural exchange, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

The Birth of Jollof Paste

At the heart of every Jollof recipe lies the Jollof paste – a deeply savoury, spiced blend made by cooking down tomatoes, onions, peppers, and seasonings. The paste is what gives Jollof its signature smoky depth, rich red colour, and irresistible aroma.

The evolution of Jollof paste is tied closely to the history of tomatoes and peppers in Africa. Tomatoes, originally from the Americas, were introduced to West Africa through the Columbian Exchange in the 15th and 16th centuries. 

Peppers, too, came from the New World, and quickly became essential in African cooking. By combining these ingredients with local spices and cooking methods, West African cooks developed the paste that forms the foundation of Jollof.

What Goes Into Jollof Paste?

Traditional Jollof paste typically includes:

Tomatoes – fresh or puréed, cooked down until concentrated.

Red bell peppers – for sweetness and body.

Chilli peppers – for heat.

Onions and garlic – for depth.

Spices – such as thyme, ginger, curry powder, or bay leaves.

Each cook and each country has its own take on the balance of these flavours. Some emphasise smokiness, others sweetness or heat – and that’s where the culinary rivalry comes in!

From Home Kitchens to Global Kitchens

In the past, Jollof paste was always made fresh in the home. However, with increasing diaspora communities and the global popularity of African cuisines, pre-made Jollof pastes and seasoning mixes are now widely available in jars and packets. These make it easier for people outside West Africa to cook authentic Jollof at home without starting entirely from scratch.

Today, Jollof paste is not just about convenience – it’s a symbol of cultural pride. It represents the heritage of a dish that unites millions of people, no matter how their own version is made.

The Future of Jollof Paste

As African cuisine continues to gain international recognition, Jollof paste may become as globally recognisable as curry pastes or pesto. Already, chefs are experimenting with Jollof-inspired dishes like Jollof risotto, Jollof stir-fry, and even Jollof pizza – all using the same iconic paste as a base.

What remains unchanged, though, is that the paste is more than just an ingredient – it’s the essence of Jollof itself, carrying centuries of history, migration, and adaptation in every spoonful. Which is exactly where Kwikish comes into its own!

https://kwikish.com

World Suicide Prevention Day: How Food and Gatherings Can Help

Every year on 10th September, people across the globe mark World Suicide Prevention Day. 

It’s a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and come together in solidarity for those who are struggling, those we have lost, and those working tirelessly in prevention and support services.

While suicide is a deeply complex issue with no single cause, one thing we all have the power to do is to create safe, supportive, and welcoming spaces.

And often, some of the most powerful connections are built around something as simple as sharing food.

Why Food Matters in Connection

Food has always been more than nourishment. A meal shared is an invitation to slow down, to talk, and to be present with one another. Whether it’s a cup of tea, a slice of cake, or a hearty supper, eating together creates opportunities for conversation. For someone who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed, that simple act of sitting at a table with others can help them feel seen and valued.

Hosting Gatherings That Matter

On World Suicide Prevention Day, why not use food as a way to connect with your community? Here are a few ideas:

Host a Tea and Talk – Invite friends, neighbours, or colleagues for tea and cake. Keep it informal, but open the door for meaningful conversation.

Community Meals – Partner with local groups, faith organisations, or charities to put on a community supper where everyone is welcome, regardless of background or circumstance.

Bake and Share – A small act, like dropping off baked goods to a neighbour or a local support group, can spread warmth and remind people they’re not alone.

Workplace Lunches – Encourage colleagues to step away from their desks, share food, and connect in a human way.

Breaking the Silence

One of the biggest challenges around suicide is the silence. Too many people feel they can’t talk about what they’re going through. 

A shared meal can create a comfortable environment where conversations flow more naturally. You don’t need to have all the answers or the perfect words; sometimes, simply being there and listening is enough.

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that support is available. In the UK, you can contact:

Samaritans – Call 116 123, free and available 24/7

Mind – 0300 123 3393, for mental health support

Papyrus (for young people under 35) – Call 0800 068 4141

Final Thought

On World Suicide Prevention Day, remember: prevention isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s about the small, everyday acts of kindness that remind someone they matter. Sharing food and gathering together is one of the simplest, most human ways to build those vital connections.

Honouring Our Heroes on Emergency Services Day (999 Day)

Every year on 9th September, the UK pauses to recognise the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the people who keep us safe: our ambulance crews, firefighters, police officers, coastguards, and volunteer responders.

Known as Emergency Services Day (999 Day), it’s not just about saying “thank you” it’s about showing our appreciation in practical, heartfelt ways.

Why 999 Day Matters

The UK’s emergency services are always there when we need them most, often working under immense pressure, at all hours, and sometimes in dangerous circumstances. From the paramedic who arrives at your door in the middle of the night, to the firefighter who rushes into a blaze, to the police officer keeping our communities safe, their work is nothing short of remarkable.

Image courtesy of Steve Bulley & Pixabay

On 999 Day, we’re encouraged not only to reflect on their contribution but also to consider how we can give something back.

How You Can Show Your Support

1. Host a Community Tea Party

Few things bring people together quite like a proper British tea party. Invite friends, family, neighbours, or your local community group to share tea, sandwiches, and cakes, while raising funds for emergency service charities. Many organisations, such as The Fire Fighters Charity, The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC), and Police Care UK, rely on public donations to provide vital support for the wellbeing of emergency staff and their families.

Encourage guests to make a small donation, and perhaps hold a raffle with donated prizes. Not only will you raise funds, but you’ll also strengthen your local community spirit — something our emergency workers value too.

2. Deliver Cakes and Treats to Your Local Station

Nothing says “thank you” quite like a box of homemade cakes or biscuits. Consider dropping off a traybake, cupcakes, or even a hearty loaf of banana bread to your nearest ambulance station, firehouse, or police station. These small gestures remind frontline workers that they are appreciated, and give them a much-needed morale boost during long, tough shifts.

Image courtesy of KTTrainer & Pixabay

3. Organise a Charity Bake Sale

If a full tea party feels too much, why not keep it simple with a bake sale at work, school, or your local community centre? Proceeds can be donated to national charities or even directly to local emergency service teams’ chosen causes.

4. Create Thank You Hampers

Band together with neighbours to fill a basket with goodies, tea, coffee, biscuits, fruit, or even energy bars. Delivering these to local crews is a touching way to show you care.

5. Raise Awareness Online

Not everyone can donate money or bake a cake, but we can all help spread the message. Share information about 999 Day on your social media platforms, highlighting the work of emergency services and the charities that support them.

Sometimes a kind word or public recognition can make a bigger impact than we realise.

A Day to Give Back

Emergency Services Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to unite communities and remind those who look after us that we see their efforts, and we care. 

Whether you’re brewing up a pot of tea for friends, baking a batch of scones, or delivering biscuits to your local station, your kindness will be deeply appreciated.

So, on 9th September, let’s raise a teacup to the men and women in our emergency services, the everyday heroes who answer when we dial 999.

Celebrate Read a Book Day with a Feast of Culinary Inspiration

Celebrate Read a Book Day with a Feast of Culinary Inspiration

Every year on 6th September, book lovers across the globe celebrate Read a Book Day. 

It’s the perfect excuse to curl up with a favourite title, discover something new, or finally open that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for months. 

While novels and biographies may get most of the attention, this year why not take the opportunity to explore a different kind of book—one that feeds both your mind and your stomach?

Culinary books and recipe collections have long been treasured companions in the kitchen, inspiring generations of cooks and capturing the flavours of cultures near and far. They’re not just manuals on how to prepare food—they’re windows into history, culture, creativity, and tradition.

Why Culinary Books Belong in Your Reading List

A Blend of Story and Flavour – The best recipe books don’t just tell you how to cook; they tell you why. Many are filled with personal anecdotes, regional histories, and cultural insights that enrich your understanding of the dishes.

Food as a Universal Language – Exploring culinary books is like travelling the world without leaving your home. From the spice markets of India to the pastry shops of Paris, each recipe book takes you on a journey.

Practical and Rewarding – Unlike most books, culinary titles give you something tangible to enjoy when you turn the page: a finished dish that you can share with friends or family.

Modern Favourites Worth Tasting

Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi – Fresh, vibrant recipes with bold Middle Eastern flavours made approachable.

The Green Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer – A collection of fuss-free one-pan meals perfect for busy weeknights.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat – More than a recipe book, this is a masterclass in the fundamentals of cooking.

The Book of St John by Fergus Henderson & Trevor Gulliver – A celebration of nose-to-tail eating and classic British cooking.

A Nod to the Classics

Let’s not forget the timeless cookbooks that changed the way we approach food:

Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management (1861), which shaped Victorian kitchens.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, a landmark in bringing French cuisine to English-speaking audiences.

How to Mark Read a Book Day with Food

Cook a recipe you’ve never tried – Challenge yourself to explore a new cuisine.

Share the experience – Invite friends or family to join you in cooking a meal inspired by a favourite cookbook.

Read between the recipes – Take time to enjoy the author’s introductions, stories, and tips.

Start a food journal – Record your own notes, adaptations, and memories alongside recipes, turning your cooking into a personal story.

On this Read a Book Day, why not let your next culinary adventure begin with the turn of a page? Whether you’re baking bread, simmering a curry, or exploring forgotten family recipes, a good cookbook can provide both inspiration and comfort. After all, food—like books—is meant to be shared.