A Day of Giving Back: Volunteering with the AMURT London Feeding Programme

Last month, some of the Babel team and I had the privilege of spending the morning volunteering at the AMURT London Feeding Programme in Hackney. It was a wholesome experience that reminded me of the power of community, teamwork, and the meaningful impact that small, collective actions can have on people’s lives.

AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team), runs a vital feeding programme supporting Londoners who are facing food insecurity. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the team and quickly got stuck in. Our morning was spent helping prepare hot, nutritious meals and making delicious Vita Bites (energy-packed snacks) which are designed to provide nourishment.

Working side by side, chopping vegetables, stirring large pots, packing food, and sharing conversation, the sense of teamwork was unmistakable. Each task, no matter how small it seemed, played a role in ensuring that people in the local community would receive a warm meal and a moment of care. It was a reminder that food is more than sustenance; it is dignity, connection, and compassion.

What stood out most was the atmosphere. There was a genuine sense of  purpose throughout the space. Volunteers from all walks of life came together with a shared goal: to help others. Seeing first hand how initiatives like the AMURT London Feeding Programme operate, made me realise how much of a difference organisations like these make every single day. Their work addresses immediate needs while also fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

As a B Corp organisation, giving back is not just something we talk about, it’s something we actively make time for. B Corp principles encourage businesses to balance profit with purpose, and days like this bring those values to life. Volunteering allows us to contribute positively to society, support local communities, and take responsibility beyond our day-to-day work. It also strengthens our team culture, reminding us about our core values of collaboration, quality and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.

This volunteering day was also a clear example of the good that comes from teamwork. By working together, we were able to contribute more effectively, learn from one another, and share an experience that left us feeling inspired. It reinforced the idea that when people come together with intention and care, real change is possible.

I am incredibly grateful to the AMURT London Feeding Programme for the important work they do and for allowing us to be a small part of it. At Babel, we remain committed to supporting charitable initiatives like this and continuing to find ways to give back. Experiences like these remind us why community matters and why making time for acts of kindness is always worth it.

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