People in Lanarkshire encouraged to sign up for this year’s Big Lunch

People in Lanarkshire are being encouraged to sign up for this year’s Big Lunch and help make it the biggest and greenest ever.

Streets, schools, groups and residents who choose to be part of the national celebration in June this year could also be in with a chance of winning a shopping voucher to help get their party started.

Even if you chose to join in by bringing a few neighbours together for a cuppa, residents in Scotland are invited to join in at TheBigLunch.com where they can download free green thinking resources and top tips as part of the annual Big Lunch annual get together for neighbours and communities.

And once you put your event on the interactive map, whether your event is a huge gathering or just a few people, you could win one of 100 £25 food vouchers up for grabs across Scotland.

Grainne McCloskey, Scotland Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, the charity behind The Big Lunch, said: “Community spirit makes a huge difference in helping a neighbourhood thrive and we want to encourage everyone in Scotland to join in, this year in your own way.

"Whether it is a few neighbours gathering in a kitchen or on the street or a group celebrating its volunteers and shining a light on their progress this year, we want to hear from you.

"The Big Lunch can also be a great fundraiser just download the free tools at thebiglunch.com and drop your plans for June onto the map.

“The Big Lunch is about food, friendship and fun. It can be the first step to making a difference. People are the key ingredient and we all have something to share. It, increases belonging and can help new neighbours feel welcome.

"It’s also a great way to celebrate the people who volunteer their time throughout the year to have a positive impact where they live.”

Last year more than 500 events were held across Scotland with Eden Project hoping to top that in 2024.

The Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery, and supported by Iceland The Food Warehouse and Greene King, is part of Month of Community, with organisers encouraging neighbourhoods and groups across Scotland to hold a Big Lunch event to bring their community closer together, fundraise for a good cause, reduce loneliness, spend some time in a local green space or simply get to know each other better.

Winners of the food vouchers will be picked at random from all those registered on the interactive Big Lunch map but hurry and register your details as the competition closes on Friday, May 10.

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