Cumberland Council is encouraging communities to take part in The Big Lunch - the UK’s annual get‑together for neighbours and communities that brings millions of people together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun.
This year, the Food Cumberland Partnership is inviting community groups across Cumberland to get involved, with up to £200 funding available per event to help you host your very own Food Cumberland Big Local Lunch.
The aim is simple: to bring people together for a lunch while celebrating and promoting:
- Local food
- Lower‑carbon and healthy food options
- Low‑waste, single‑use‑plastic‑free events
- Food growing, including championing local growers, encouraging residents to grow their own food, and strengthening connections with community gardens, allotments and farms
The Big Lunch takes place from 5–8 June, overlapping with Great Big Green Week (6–14 June) and Open Farm Sunday (7 June).
To help maximise impact, community groups are encouraged to host events any time throughout June 2026 - from picnics and produce swaps to garden parties, growing workshops or climate‑friendly community meals.
Great Big Green Week is a national campaign coordinated by the Climate Coalition to raise awareness of climate change and the biodiversity crisis, and to inspire more people to take action for nature and to reduce their carbon footprint. This year, its overlap with The Big Lunch offers a perfect opportunity to combine climate‑positive activities with community connection.
How to Apply
Applications are now open for groups wishing to host a Food Cumberland Big Local Lunch event in June.
Deadline to apply: 4 May 2026
Apply online: https://zerocarboncumbria.co.uk/action/gbgw/