25 February 2011
Only 17% of Brits would invite a neighbour to dinner if they had food going spare, says survey
Only one in six people (17%) would invite a neighbour for dinner
if they had food going spare, according to research conducted for
the Methodist Church by YouGov. The survey found that if people had
a spare place for dinner 56 per cent would invite a friend, 18 per
cent a work colleague and only 17 per cent a neighbour. A quarter
(25%) of those asked said they wouldn't invite anyone.
The survey also found that 18 - 24 year olds were more likely to
invite a neighbour (20% vs. 17% overall) or friend (78% vs. 56%),
as were those who live in the East of England (20% vs. 17% and 60%
vs. 56% respectively). Women were slightly more likely to invite a
friend than men (58 per cent compared to 54 per cent), but slightly
less likely to invite a neighbour (16% vs. 18%) or colleague (17%
vs. 19%).
"Sharing a meal together is a key part of community," said Revd Dr
Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church. "We know
people are incredibly busy, and that it can be harder to connect
with our neighbours and local communities these days, but I hope
that we can all find ways to spend more time with friends and
neighbours. It is too easy to see these results as a sign that
society has lost its sense of community, but I believe people want
to share hospitality and sometimes all they need is an excuse to
get together."
Pancake Day, also known as Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, has been
a traditional time of feasting since medieval times. Marking the
start of Lent for Christians, it can also be a time of general
celebration. This year it falls in Fairtrade Fortnight, so the
Methodist Relief and Development Fund is encouraging people to hold
a Fair Feast - celebrating Pancake Day with Fairtrade ingredients.
There is also the chance to take part in the Big Bible project, an
online digital community promoting regular Bible reading, during
Lent. The Big Bible project is launching this year's Big Read with
Tom Wright's Lent for Everyone: Matthew.
MRDF has a savoury pancake recipe from Gary Rhodes, and the BBC is
offering a variety of Pancake Day recipes from Delia Smith and
other chefs.
Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes said: "I'm delighted to be a part of
this campaign. It's a fantastic opportunity to get together with
friends and neighbours but with the satisfaction of knowing that
the money raised will be used to help people make their own living
and fight hunger themselves."
Dr Martyn Atkins added: "I hope that people will take advantage of
the tradition of feasting and celebration on Shrove Tuesday to
reach out to others. I know that during the current downturn many
people will choose to save spare food to stretch their budget, but
time spent sharing meals together is a powerful way to build our
communities and enrich our lives."