Chomp Lunch Clubs: Breaking Bread, Building Bonds
Chomp Lunch Clubs: Breaking Bread, Building Bonds
In the heart of Whitehawk, the Chomp Lunch Club at St. Cuthman’s serves as a testament to the power of community. With its dedicated team of volunteers, Chomp creates a welcoming space where families share nourishing meals, kids play, and friendships blossom. East Brighton Trust has been deeply impressed by the impact of this initiative, which continues to bring people together and strengthen local connections.
The origins of Chomp
The idea for Chomp first came about in 2013 when One Church Brighton‘s Minister and his wife were troubled by a Panorama programme about Britain’s hungry children. Recognising the urgency of the issue in Brighton, they felt compelled to take action.
Chomp started by offering holiday lunch clubs, providing free hot nutritious meals and a space for children to play. Over a decade later, it continues to thrive and now offers a variety of wellbeing opportunities that support local families.
Chomp’s ongoing contribution is no small thanks to the involvement of committed and talented people like Group Facilitator Charlotte Hastings. A psychodynamic counsellor with a background in systemic family therapy, anthropology, and teaching, Charlotte’s expertise in food-based community projects has been a key asset to the initiative.
A morning in the Chomp kitchen
Arriving at St. Cuthman’s at 10.30 am, well before families start to arrive, you’re immediately struck by the welcoming vibe in the kitchen. As Charlotte and the volunteers are busy preparing lunch, the atmosphere is far from frantic – instead, there’s a sense of togetherness, with laughter and chat filling the air. If the volunteers are stressed by cooking for so many, they hide it well. What’s also striking is how naturally children like 10-year-old Albie engage in the food prep and how absorbed they seem in the process.
“We make food for loads of people and then all eat together in a big meal,” explains Albie. “I love cooking because I don’t really get to do it at home. I also really like how I can chat with my friends while we cook. In the future, I’d like to cook by myself and make meals for the family.”
More than just a meal: The Chomp experience
Once families start arriving, the hall buzzes with the sound of kids playing, parents chatting, and the clatter of cutlery as volunteers get ready to serve lunch. Toys, books, and games keep the youngsters amused, while the adults catch up over a cuppa. It’s clear that Chomp is about much more than filling stomachs – it’s about building relationships.
Sandie George, a long-time volunteer, has seen firsthand the impact of Chomp. She first came as a parent, looking for a space to connect, and found not only support but a sense of purpose. Now, over a decade later, she’s an integral part of the team, helping prepare meals and making sure families feel at home.
“For me, it’s been a huge confidence boost,” says Sandie. “I’ve learned so many kitchen tips and recipes along the way. But more than that, it’s about the people. I’ve lived in Whitehawk my whole life, so I know many of the families who come here. Being part of this community, seeing familiar faces, and connecting with people – it’s really special.”
Her words highlight something crucial: while Chomp exists to help address food poverty, it also tackles something less visible – social isolation.
“While the food aspect is really important, a lot of people also struggle with loneliness. Chomp provides a space where they can socialise, feel supported, and just enjoy being with others. It’s about so much more than just the meal.”
For Sandie, the impact of Chomp often comes home to her in small, everyday moments. She recalls a parent approaching her in a local supermarket to thank her because their child, who’d always refused peas, finally ate them after cooking at Chomp. “It sounds like such a little thing,” she says with a smile, “but it’s not. It’s about kids feeling comfortable, about families sharing something positive together. That’s what Chomp is.”
After more than ten years of volunteering, Sandie can’t imagine life without Chomp. “If it wasn’t here, I’d miss it so much. And I know so many others would too.”
Kitchen therapy and the power of food
For Charlotte Hastings, food is more than just about nourishment. Her experience with the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and her own Kitchen Therapy sessions have shaped the way she approaches Chomp.
“My aim is always to get families involved in the cooking process,” she explains. “It’s not just about leaving with a meal – it’s about learning a recipe, gaining skills, and feeling part of a community.”
Charlotte’s been working with some families for over 15 years, and now, she’s seeing children she once taught return with their own kids. That continuity speaks to the power of shared meals – not just as a source of nutrition, but as a way of strengthening relationships across generations.
It wasn’t always plain sailing, though. Charlotte laughs as she remembers an early misstep: “I once brought a fancy Thai-inspired pumpkin soup, thinking it would impress everyone. It didn’t. That moment taught me a big lesson – cooking isn’t about showing off, it’s about meeting people where they are, sharing knowledge, and making food that feels familiar and meaningful.”
That philosophy is woven into everything Chomp does. There’s no pressure, no rigid instructions – just a welcoming space where families can experiment, create, and share a meal together.
“School holidays can be tough financially, and traditional cooking skills aren’t always passed down through families the way they once were,” Charlotte says. “Chomp helps bridge that gap. It’s not just about feeding people – it’s about bringing them together, giving them the confidence to cook, and reminding them that food has always been one of the most natural ways for humans to connect.”
Like Sandie, Charlotte has seen how Chomp fosters a real sense of belonging, not just for the families who attend, but for the wider community. The club works in tandem with local food banks, St. Cuthman’s, Kitchen Sessions CIC, and other initiatives to create something bigger than the sum of its parts.
“Just like a good recipe, where different ingredients come together to make something special, Chomp is about collaboration,” she says. “It’s one of the highlights of my year – watching kids take pride in their cooking, seeing families bond over a meal, and knowing that, in some small way, we’re helping to make life a little easier and more joyful.”
The role of St. Cuthman’s
St. Cuthman’s Church has long been a cornerstone of the Whitehawk community. Originally built in 1937 and rebuilt in 1951 after being bombed during the war, it has always been known as The Children’s Church. Today, it continues to serve as a hub for support, faith, and friendship.
Miguel Walters, the Neighbourhood Youth Worker for St. Cuthman’s and Whitehawk Food Bank, explains how St Cuthman’s got involved with Chomp:
“Over the holidays, a lot of families in this area don’t go away – they’re often stuck within the neighbourhood, so when Chomp approached us about providing meals here for families during those times, we jumped at the opportunity. It aligns perfectly with our mission – not just feeding people but also addressing the root causes of poverty. Since we’re also connected to Whitehawk Food Bank, we try to understand why families are struggling and offer support through signposting and other resources. The goal isn’t just to feed people today, but to help end the need for food banks altogether.”
A true community effort
As the lunch club winds down, you notice that without being asked, the kids join in with the adults to clear plates and tidy the hall. It’s a small but telling moment, showing just how much Chomp has created a sense of ownership and belonging among its regulars.
And whether it’s a child discovering the joy of cooking, a parent finding support, or a volunteer gaining confidence, the impact of Chomp is felt long after the last plate has been cleared.
Get involved
There are many ways to involve yourself or your organisation with the brilliant and important work Chomp does – check out this link for more details.