The Big Lunch today announced community projects across Birmingham have been chosen by walkers on a mission to shine a light on the amazing residents at the heart of their community who bring people together.

The visit comes as part of a 17-day UK wide journey across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales from 17 May to the 2 June. Eight walkers will set out on a community focused walk to learn about collaborative projects and neighbourhood activities, while meeting and chatting with the general public, determined to invite everyone to join The Big Lunch on the first weekend in June. 

Walking home for their own Big Lunch, Carole Wright and Laura Graham are the England team that will highlight positive community activities across the country. Inviting walkers to see what they are doing to make a difference where they live, local resident Claire Johnson, of the Oaks Big Lunch, said:

"As a new build community we've moved here from all over so it’s been lovely to actually get to know who we all live next door to. As a direct result of last year’s Big Lunch we started a neighbourhood watch group which is supported by our local PCSO. We're looking forward to meeting the walkers and then holding our party the following Sunday”

Earlier this year The Big Lunch released a OnePoll survey of over 4,000 people that found almost three quarters (72%) of the UK population don’t feel they know their neighbours well and 1 in 5 don’t even know their neighbours names.

An idea from the Eden Project, made possible by the National Lottery, The Big Lunch is about millions of people getting together to share food and get to know each other better.  Every year, over 6 million people take to their streets, gardens and neighbourhoods to join in for a few hours of community, friendship and fun on 1 and 2 June. Signalling a step change in their efforts to increase community connection, Peter Stewart Executive Director Eden Project said:

“Our team of walkers are celebrating the good stuff out there and want to get more Big Lunches going to feed community spirit on a mass scale. Our report showed that connections in our neighbourhoods are under attack, but sharing food at a Big Lunch brings everyone together and it’s fun - you don’t need any better excuse than that!”

Get your free pack at thebiglunch.com.