EC1 Echo
www.ec1echo.co.uk
25 September 2024
WALKING THE TALK
How Action Against Food Poverty is making a difference, one conversation at a time
In a world where hunger and hardship are often met with indifference, Robert Straw decided to take a different path; one that not only provides food but also human connection.
After years of volunteering with organisations like Crisis at Christmas, Shower Box, and Street Kitchen, Straw felt the need to do more.
In March 2022, he founded Action Against Food Poverty (AAFP), a grassroots initiative that goes beyond offering meals to those in need. With each walk around London, AAFP delivers not just food and supplies, but meaningful conversation and emotional support to anyone struggling, especially the homeless.
What sets AAFP apart from traditional charity models is Straw’s emphasis on emotional engagement. He realised that handing out food was just the first step; the real impact came from listening and connecting with people. Straw doesn’t offer advice but challenges those he meets to see their circumstances in a new light, providing a sense of dignity and respect through each interaction.
Fast forward two years, and while the organisation has faced challenges—particularly in securing consistent funding—its mission remains strong.
Though AAFP can currently only operate once a month, Straw’s relationships with the regular people he meets have endured. These people enjoy homemade cakes, sandwiches, and other goodies, but more importantly, they look forward to being treated as equals and spoken to with respect.
Looking ahead, Straw has ambitious goals. He hopes to increase the frequency of the walks to twice a week and plans to take a mental health support course to better serve those in need.
He also envisions engaging companies to sponsor their employees to participate in the walks, seeing it as an opportunity for team building and developing customer service and personal confidence skills.
To support these efforts, AAFP is raising funds through the sale of organic cotton tote bags (£15) and Christmas cards (three for £10), both with free UK postage. To purchase tote bags or Christmas cards, please email [email protected].
Every purchase helps further their mission of fighting food poverty with compassion.
For more information or to support Action Against Food Poverty, visit www.aafp.uk.