Free My Meal: How cooking an extra portion of chilli or spag bol can help those in need in York

Connecting cooks with those who need a meal, the Facebook group ‘Free My Meal’ is as simple as that.

The scheme, which has been shared by celebrities including Nigella Lawson, was the creation of Hayley Steere in her kitchen in Surrey and aims to provide a free, cooked meal without question or judgement to anyone who asks.

Cooks around the country - including in York - have now pitched in to help others out by adding an extra portion to the pot when whipping up a chilli, lasagne or spaghetti bolognaise.

In fact, it was while Hayley was throwing together a batch of chilli, her most cost effective 'go to' while living as a single parent just over a decade ago, for her family during lockdown that she had the idea.

She says for people in the same position as she was, whilst also living in the midst of a pandemic, things must only be getting more challenging.

Hayley said:

“I know back then that I just wouldn't have coped with the situation that we're in now - I know that it would have been really tough.

“I do think that there will be more people that just need a meal.

“It's as simple as that, it's your basic need and really what should be a right to not have to go hungry.”

Hayley added:

"I was shocked at first actually at the diverse range of people requesting meals.

“People that have jobs, that have big houses or whatever, just finding themselves really cash poor at the moment and in need of immediate help.”

Despite the explosion of support, Hayley explains the need for more cooks and meals remains.

“There are some people in the last four days that I haven't been able to help, because we've got no cooks near them.

“They email me and say, 'I'm in Sheffield or whatever, this is my postcode'.

“I then look to see the closest one, find that person and ask if they can provide it.”

To find out more about volunteering meals or asking for one, join the Free My Meal Facebook group.