As discussed earlier about people food sharing during the Northeast Blackout in 2003, The Big Lunch is an initiative to get everyone in the UK to stop what they are doing for one moment and sit down and have lunch with their neighbours. They have wanted to put a smile back on the faces of Brits and strengthen communities. The first Big Lunch took place on the 19th of July this year and the original idea came from the Eden Project which encouraged people to get together to solve problems and share things as a community.
Most of us are shy, many of us lead single lives and even when we are together often go our own way. We all know about the problems in our society and don’t need to be preached at. But inside almost everyone there is a notion that, despite our differences, the ties that bind us are important. The shared enjoyment of eating together, laughter, play, music and conversation bring us together and for all the fact that we are so fabulously different in our outlook and experience on many things, we know a simple truth – together we are strong. Wouldn’t it be great if for just one day we remind ourselves about all that is good about us and bring about a moment that ignites a spark. It may be tricky, it may feel slightly uncomfortable to start with. It takes a bit of courage to stop being a stranger. But think of the prize – to be able to walk down the street and into the wider neighbourhood and realise how many good people there are: people who, acting together, can create a real sense of community – a word that in Latin means ‘together, in gift’.
Individual countries are famous for their signature food dishes, England/Fish and Chips, Japan/Sushi, Italy/Pasta, Switzerland/Chocolate so wouldn’t it be great if one day a year the concept of The Big Lunch was brought into action in different countries as well them exporting their signature foods to other countries. Similar to culture festivals, so for example in Japan, one day a year, there would be an England/Fish and Chips festival. I could see that being very interesting to say the least.
