· New series celebrates the powerful memories food creates - while acknowledging that millions facing food poverty are missing out
· Hosted by broadcaster Si King, the series features celebrity guests such as Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge Shirley Ballas, alongside those working to fight food poverty in the UK
The vodcast is part of Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief’s partnership to tackle food poverty and ensure everyone has access to the joy, memories and connection that meals bring
28th October: As part of the Meals Make Memories campaign, Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief have today launched A Recipe For…, a new vodcast that celebrates the powerful memories food creates, while shining a light on the reality for the 14 million1 people in the UK facing food poverty who still miss out.
Hosted by broadcaster Si King, every episode features cherished recipes from well-known guests and those tackling food poverty, each sharing stories that show how food connects us and what’s lost when it’s out of reach.
In the first episode, James – a father and support worker who has experienced food poverty – reflects on the powerful role food has played in his life. He shares memories of cooking with his son, the challenges of losing access to good food, as well as the support he found through The Bread and Butter Thing, a mobile food club that receives funding through Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief’s partnership.
Future episodes will highlight inspiring stories from those working to tackle food poverty, followed by a festive special with Comic Relief supporter and Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge, Shirley Ballas.
The series is part of Sainsbury’s programme with Comic Relief, which aims to tackle food poverty and ensure that everyone has access to the joy, memories and connection that food brings. Since 2022, the programme has delivered 59 million meals, through over £23 million of funding, to families who need it most. This half term, the partnership between Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief will also be helping to fund 4,000 HAF places for children across the UK, helping families to access joyful memories of good food over the holiday period.
Ruth Cranston, Director of Sustainability at Sainsbury’s commented: “We’re a nation that loves food. A single taste can take us back to favourite moments with friends and family but for the 14 million people facing food poverty in the UK, those joyful food memories are harder to come by. At Sainsbury’s, we believe the joy of good food should be available to everyone no matter their background or circumstance."That’s why we’re proud to launch A Recipe For..., a celebration of food memories from well-known voices and everyday heroes. Through this series, we’re shining a light on the incredible charities working tirelessly to tackle food poverty across the UK.
“We’re calling on our customers to help Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief fight food poverty by donating in-store, online, or with Nectar. Together we can make good food a reality for everyone.”
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief said: “Whether it’s the comfort of a favourite meal, a cherished family recipe, or a moment to celebrate with loved ones around a table, food holds special memories for so many of us. Yet, for millions across the country, food has become a source of huge worry. Food poverty is rising, and more people than ever are struggling to feed themselves and their families.
“We are proud to launch our new podcast series, A Recipe For..., with Sainsbury’s, to help spark vital conversations around this urgent issue while celebrating the incredible work of the organisations we fund that provide nutritious, affordable food to those who need it most. Together, we hope to help many more people experience the joy and lasting memories that food can bring.”
Si King, Broadcaster and Host of A Recipe For... said: “What I’ve loved about hosting this series is how often food opens the door to stories of community and connection. It’s been a pleasure to hear each guest share their most joyful food memories and how the work of organisations like Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief has helped many to overcome difficult times. I hope the series inspires people to get behind the change we need, to make sure everyone can access good food, because everyone deserves to experience the memories and moments that food provides.”
Episodes of A Recipe For... will be released on YouTube, with recipes available on Sainsbury’s website for viewers to cook along and create their own food-filled memories. Customers can also support Sainsbury’s and Comic Relief’s mission to tackle food poverty in the UK by donating in-store, online or via Nectar.
Notes to editors
1Hunger in the UK 2025 | Trussell
About Sainsbury’s
Offering delicious great quality food at competitive prices has been at the heart of what we do since John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury opened our first store in 1869. Today, inspiring and delighting our customers with tasty food remains our priority and our purpose is clear – we make good food joyful, accessible and affordable for everyone, every day.
Our focus on great value food and convenient shopping, whether in-store or online is supported by our brands – Argos, Nectar, Tu Clothing, Habitat, Sainsbury’s Bank and Smart Charge. Sainsbury’s has almost 600 supermarkets and over 800 convenience stores. Argos is a leading digital retailer and is the third most visited retail website in the UK, with over 70 per cent of its sales starting online. Argos is conveniently available for customers to collect from hundreds of Sainsbury’s stores. Digital and technology enables us to adapt as customers shop differently and our profitable, fast-growing online channels offer customers quick and convenient delivery and collection capability.
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief is a UK charity that uses the power of entertainment and popular culture to work towards a vision of a just world free from poverty. We raise money to support organisations that are closest to the communities who can make change happen. We support work that will tackle the impact of poverty, injustice, conflict, and climate change in the UK and around the world.
Since launching in 1985, we have raised over £1.6 billion thanks to the huge generosity and kindness of the public and our partners. For more information on our work, visit www.comicrelief.com or follow @comicrelief on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for the latest content and news.
Comic Relief is the operating name of Charity Projects, registered charity in England & Wales (326568) and Scotland (SC039730).