At Tonic, we have launched the Pay It Forward campaign as a direct response to October 2020’s parliamentary vote which denied food to children in need during the school holidays.

It felt like such a juxtaposition to the abundant hospitality scene we know, to think of these children, hungry through no fault of their own, and we simply had to do something about it.

The Tonic Pay It Forward campaign is simple: every single complimentary meal given to or facilitated by Tonic since 22 October 2020 has been matched by donating a meal for someone hungry, and we pledge that it will remain an integral part of this business for as long as we are running. We have huge ambitions for this - we want to raise as much money as possible and to connect the disparate food experiences in London and beyond. So far, together with our community, we have raised £1,283 for Magic Breakfast and £2,675 for The Trussell Trust - and this is just the beginning.

Now, as of 01 March 2021, we are fundraising for Made in Hackney to support their invaluable work in providing food support direct to households in their local community. Just to give you a benchmark, for £2.50 Made in Hackney can provide a meal to someone in need, so that’s the amount we’ll be paying for every booking we make, every meal kit we send out, and every generous meal we receive ourselves.

Such is the power of our community, and the calibre of people and companies we partner with, that alongside our donations many clients, journalists and friends have been energised by the initiative and joined us too. There are too many to thank personally, but to all of you committed to creating positive change with us, you are wonderful.