This week, Tim and Piers are joined by Nathan Atkinson, co-founder of Rethink Food, a social enterprise on a mission to end hunger through education, sustainability and dignity.
From life as a headteacher in Leeds to leading one of the UK’s Top 100 Social Enterprises, Nathan’s story is both powerful and practical — showing how small actions can spark national change.
In this episode, we explore:
🍞 How one conversation with a hungry pupil changed Nathan’s life — and inspired Rethink Food.
🥕 The National School Pantry Network, helping families access food with dignity, not dependency.
🌍 Teaching children to “eat to save the planet” through creative food education.
💪 Why empowerment, not stigma, must sit at the heart of food support.
🎬 The role of storytelling in changing perceptions — and how Rethink Food uses creativity to connect.
🧠 Why innovation often starts in the quiet moments — and how the sector can learn from that mindset.
Between parts one and two of the interview, Tim and Piers unpack the week’s charity news, including:
⚠️ A major report predicting a shortfall of 3 million volunteers across UK charities — and what that could mean for the sector.
🎮 The rise of gaming for good, with YouTube star TommyInnit raising £450,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital through a live-streamed mystery game.
And as always, we shine our Small Charity Spotlight on two brilliant organisations:
🛍️ World Food Aid Shop (Clacton-on-Sea) – funding food banks and disaster relief, with volunteer power at its heart.
🧸 MERU – designing and adapting assistive products and sensory toys for disabled children, giving independence and joy where it’s most needed.
👉 Whether you work in food insecurity, education or community programmes, this episode will leave you inspired by what’s possible when creativity meets compassion.
Useful links
Royal Voluntary Service report on volunteering – royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
The Good Studio – Creative content for good causes: thegoodstudio.co.uk
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This episode is produced by The Good Studio – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at www.thegoodstudio.co.uk