Newcastle Anti-Hunger Leader Andrew Forsey Wins National Award, Beating AJ Tracey and Big Zuu
Feeding Britain Director honoured for bold leadership in fight against food poverty
A leading voice from the North East has been awarded a top prize at this year’s Voices to End Hunger Awards, triumphing over high-profile nominees including rappers AJ Tracey, Big Zuu, and Fekky.
Andrew Forsey, the National Director of Feeding Britain, a Newcastle-based national charity tackling hunger, was named the winner in the Voice category, which celebrates individuals or organisations that have raised awareness and advocated for policy changes to address food insecurity.
Winners were revealed at a packed ceremony at the Institute for Contemporary Arts in London attended by policymakers, charity leaders and community organisers.
“It’s a bittersweet honour,” said Forsey. “None of us should need to be here — there shouldn’t be hunger in a country like ours. But this award belongs to the families, volunteers and communities who make Feeding Britain’s mission possible.
“In my experience, we who seek to advocate and campaign against hunger are at our best and most effective when our solitary voices come together in a moment of harmony on a particular issue or campaign.”
Under Forsey’s leadership, Feeding Britain supports over 400 community food clubs across the UK and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme, now helping over 750,000 children annually. In 2024, Forsey was awarded an OBE for his impact on national food policy.
He dedicated the award to the late Frank Field, with whom he co-drafted the original bill that led to the national holiday food programme.
Feeding Britain’s model offers an alternative to traditional food banks, giving families access to affordable, fresh, chilled and frozen food in a dignified setting. Their data shows that, since accessing community food clubs:
- 42% of people have reduced their usage of food banks.
- 50% of skipped meals less often.
- 77% have eaten more fresh fruit and vegetables.
- 76% have cooked more meals at home.
The awards, organised by political consultancy The Advocacy Team, followed a national call for nominations in five categories: Community, Youth Hero, Innovation, Partnerships and Voice. Each winner receives a £1,000 cash prize to support their ongoing work.
Lorriann Robinson, founder and director of The Advocacy Team, said:
“Andrew Forsey is proof that using your voice can drive major policy shifts. He’s helped reframe food poverty as a solvable issue, with dignity and innovation at the heart.”
She added: “The winners of these awards represent the very best of what’s possible when communities lead. They show us that hunger isn’t inevitable — it’s solvable, with the right mix of determination, support and policy change.
“Too often, grassroots work goes unrecognised. We created these awards to shine a spotlight on people and organisations quietly transforming lives. We hope their stories inspire others to act, and policymakers to listen.”
Other nominees in the Voice category included:
- AJ Tracey, for delivering festive meals in West London
- Big Zuu, for spotlighting food injustice through media
- Fekky, for his annual “turkey drive” in Deptford
