This year, students were delighted to welcome Will Poulter, who shared inspiring messages of compassion and kindness, spreading the festive spirit throughout the school, and joined staff and volunteers in serving warm, nourishing meals to the children.
The event featured festive entertainment and nutritious lunches provided by Bill’s, with volunteers from Richard and Patricia Caring’s hospitality businesses – including Bill’s and The Birley Clubs – coming together once again to create an unforgettable experience. Now in its fifth year at Surrey Square Primary School, the initiative reflects TCFF’s deepening commitment to supporting children and families facing food insecurity. With 25% of Surrey Square Primary School’s students living in temporary accommodation and 84% belonging to families facing significant economic challenges, the day served as a powerful reminder of the impact that collective kindness can have within the community.
This initiative is part of TCFF’s 2025 ‘Food From the Heart’ Campaign, a nationwide effort to tackle child poverty and food insecurity. With nearly one in seven UK families with children struggling to put food on the table, according to the Food Foundation. TCFF is harnessing the power of the hospitality sector to raise funds, extend its reach, and make a meaningful difference for children and families across the UK.
Through its partnerships with The Felix Project and Home-Start, alongside the expansion of the Surrey Square School Marketplace, TCFF plans to deliver 500,000 meals across London in 2026. Since 2020 to date, the Foundation has provided 3.5 million meals, including 1,027,465 in the past year alone, demonstrating its long-term commitment to fighting child hunger.
As part of TCFF’s ongoing commitment to Surrey Square Primary School, funding also sustains year-round initiatives such as weekly Youth Clubs, which provide children with hot, nutritious meals, community guidance, safeguarding support, and confidence-building activities. As well as the Monthly Market, which serves 350 local residents from vulnerable communities with a range of services and activities that are designed to strengthen and celebrate community.
Building on this success, TCFF is now expanding its programs to three additional schools in East London, continuing its mission to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of children and families.
Patricia Caring, Co-Founder of The Caring Family Foundation said, ‘As we approach Christmas, a season meant for joy and togetherness, I am reminded that too many families in the UK face the harsh reality of food insecurity. At The Caring Family Foundation, we believe no child should go hungry at Christmas – or any time of year. Our 2025 Food From The Heart campaign is helping ensure children receive nourishing meals and experience the magic of the season. With the support of our community, we can bring hope, warmth, and joy to those who need it most.’
Matt Morden, Co-Head Teacher at Surrey Square Primary School said, ‘Our partnership with The Caring Family Foundation means so much to our community. The support they provide ensures that every child at Surrey Square can experience a moment of magic and joy at what can be a challenging time of year for many families. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued commitment to our school and the difference it makes for our children and wider community.’
As part of the 2025 ‘Food From the Heart’ Campaign, The Caring Family Foundation and The Dorchester joined forces once again to create a Festive Wonderland on 30th November. All proceeds from the event will directly support the Foundation’s mission to combat child hunger and food insecurity. Gifts donated during the celebration will be given to the children of Surrey Square Primary School, spreading generosity, kindness, and festive cheer throughout the community.
