Fish and chip shop hands out free meals until 'no hungry homeless left'

The owner of a fish and chip shop has said he will give away free food to those struggling financially until there are “no hungry homeless in West Sussex”.

Sahin Saglam, who runs the Crispy Cod store in Lancing, has set up a drive to feed anyone who is “hungry and has no money” as Christmas approaches. The scheme allows people to donate money to pay for meals in advance, and people who need help can visit the store and take a ticket, which can then be exchanged for a meal.

Saglam told Yahoo News UK: “Customers donate and we’ve also donated too. It’s only been up there for three or four days and we’ve received over £130 in donations. This will run until there’s no hungry homeless in West Sussex.”

The scheme comes as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, with food prices still high, despite a drop in recent months. The Trussell Trust, a charity that provides food banks throughout the country, also said they expect to distribute more than one million emergency food parcels between December and February.

Saglam said the free meals drive has proved popular, with the initial receipts for food running out before new ones were put up using money raised on Crispy Cod’s donations page.

It’s not the first time Saglam has attempted to help those struggling financially. In August he bought £100 worth of food from the local supermarket and left it on a table outside the restaurant, alongside a sign which read: "For people in need."

‘Restores your faith in humanity’

He told Sussex World: “We wanted to do something like this to help people out as everyone is struggling. We want to see if other businesses will get involved… To be honest, five, six years ago, I didn't have anything. But I'd give whatever I had to people. I’d give away my last £20.”

Crispy Cod’s current drive went viral on X after it was highlighted by commentator Simon Harris. His post was liked by nearly 5,000 people and some commenting said that similar schemes were running in establishments in their area.

One person wrote: “Seen a similar thing in a restaurant in Oxford. They had a table reserved for anyone who couldn't afford to pay, the cook would make them anything off the menu free of charge. Restores your faith in humanity.” Another added: “There's a similar scheme in my town with lots of cafes participating where, if you go in and buy a meal you can buy another for someone who needs it. The receipt goes on a board for when it is needed.”

Who can use a food bank?

The use of a food bank is not restricted and is available for anyone who needs short-term support in sourcing food.

Homeless people as well as those unemployed and employed are all eligible if their pay is insufficient to meet their needs. The only requirement to use a food bank is that you must be referred by a recognised party – such as schools, social workers, police or GPs.

These parties can issue anyone in need with a voucher that can then be redeemed at a local food bank in exchange for a food parcel. These parcels are usually required to be collected physically but some will deliver to those who do not have transport or live in rural areas.

Recommended reading

• How to find out if you're eligible for February £299 cost of living payment (Yahoo News)

• ’Some people are having to choose between food bills and dental bills’ (Isle of Wight County Press)

• City food bank experiences 'busiest year on record' amid cost of living crisis (Glasgow Times)