Bryan Coyle

Nominated by Darren Snow & Sarah Griffiths

When lockdown began, Brighton & Hove was faced with a massive food crisis. Suddenly, many vulnerable people across the city were at risk of going without regular hot meals.

Bryan Coyle was determined to stop this from happening and so decided to act fast. That’s why he set up two food kitchens during lockdown, offering over 1000 meals a week. The project is now one of the biggest providers of hot food in the city and is run entirely by volunteers. And while every volunteer is a hero in their own right, Bryan is their inspiration, because without his dedication and determination none of it would have happened.

During this challenging time, Bryan has brought people together, showing vulnerable individuals in the city that they matter. What’s more, he has encouraged food suppliers and businesses to give generously to the cause, meaning that many more people now have access to tasty, nutritious meals.

Nine months later, the scheme has become the East Brighton Food Cooperative and will be getting a permanent base in Whitehawk. Bryan also plans to expand it by setting up a fresh fruit and vegetable initiative, alongside other local food support projects.

A true community champion who consistently puts others before himself, Bryan stepped up in a time of huge crisis to give the gift of a hot meal to anyone in need.