Gloucester Feed The Hungry, a dedicated community interest company (CIC) based in Gloucester, is making a remarkable difference by providing up to 1,200 free meals every week, operating a food bank, and coordinating a Christmas campaign distributing 10,000 festive gifts. Their impactful work has earned them a nomination in the national competition, The BIG Christmas Giveback, which celebrates individuals and organisations positively impacting local communities.
The organisation runs Smiles Café, a welcoming community café open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm. This café offers hot meals and a warm space for all, with an inclusive “pay what you can” model to ensure no one goes hungry. Above the café, a food bank supplies food, clothing, and toiletries to those in need.
Hash Norat founded Gloucester Feed The Hungry nine years ago with a mission to serve the city after selling his family business. “From the initial idea to launching our first food program was just days. During lockdown, we worked 13-hour days delivering food parcels as far as Bristol, supported by Unilever, my former employer, which produced pot noodles for distribution,” he explains.
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After leaving Unilever three years ago, Norat established Smiles Café as an affordable coffee shop where everyone is welcome. “It’s not just for the homeless but also for vulnerable individuals who visit to eat and find companionship. We give them all the time they need,” he says.
During Christmas, up to 100 volunteers help deliver food and spend time with those isolated during the holidays, turning lonely days into warm, joyous occasions. This year’s campaign seeks donations of chocolates, toiletries, toys, and filled shoeboxes to distribute to children’s wards, shelters, community groups, and frontline workers.
Norat emphasizes, “If we win The BIG Christmas Giveback, the prize money would support our ongoing efforts to aid the homeless and vulnerable, and recognize the incredible volunteers who are the true heroes behind Gloucester Feed The Hungry.”
The nomination came from local resident Liz Bradford, who praises the group’s broad support network: “Gloucester Feed The Hungry helps many, offering meals, winter clothing, and even Christmas dinners on Christmas Day. They support people transitioning into homes with essential items and their first week’s shopping. All of this is volunteer-run and gives hope to those in tough situations.”
Bradford is also a fan of the Gloucester Gift Card, which encourages local spending: “I’ve used it myself, and it’s a fantastic way to support Gloucester’s community and businesses.”
Introduced in 2019 by Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID), the Gloucester Gift Card promotes shopping locally and benefits over 170 businesses in the city.
Claire Knight, Marketing & Business Engagement Lead at Gloucester BID, expressed strong support: “The Gloucester Gift Card supports our city’s economy, and we back The BIG Christmas Giveback to honor charities and groups that give back tirelessly. Gloucester Feed The Hungry is outstanding, and we encourage everyone to nominate them or others deserving of national recognition.”
The Gloucester Gift Card operates as part of the global Town & City Gift Card network by fintech company Miconex, which enables over 20,000 local businesses worldwide to participate in local gift card programs with over £45 million spent through them.
Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, highlights the importance of these initiatives: “The Gloucester Gift Card is a force for good, as is The BIG Christmas Giveback, shining a spotlight on local heroes. Gloucester Feed The Hungry’s nomination reflects the valuable contribution of charities and community groups. Nominations close on November 28, 2025.”
To nominate a person or organisation for The BIG Christmas Giveback, visit www.lovelocalwin.co.uk.