September marks National Potato Month – and what better time to celebrate one of the most beloved items on any menu, chips.
But this year, as we indulge in the UK’s obsession with adding chips to nearly every meal – they are the most popular dish in the UK according to YouGov – there’s a deeper story to tell. It’s a story about the incredible work being done in hospitality businesses across the UK to support those who are struggling, often behind the scenes, to keep this vital industry going.
In a world where we often take our dining experiences for granted, few initiatives shine as brightly as Hospitality Action’s Invisible Chips campaign. This brilliant idea lets diners do something truly meaningful, purchase a portion of chips that don’t actually exist. But what these “invisible” chips lack in substance, they more than make up for in impact. The funds raised going directly to help the very people who serve us our meals, who may be facing a crisis that’s all too real.
The beauty of Invisible Chips lies in its simplicity. It’s an easy, yet powerful way for diners to give back to the industry they love and enjoy, all while sitting in the cafes and restaurants they frequent. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact. It’s not just about donating money, it’s about standing in solidarity with the hospitality workers who are often struggling with financial insecurity, mental health challenges and uncertainty about the future.
Since the start of 2024, Hospitality Action has been inundated with calls for help from people who feel lost, overwhelmed and unsupported amid ongoing financial hardships. For these workers, initiatives like Invisible Chips are more than just a fundraising tool, they’re a lifeline. They raise awareness of the often-unseen struggles within the hospitality sector, a world where people are the beating heart yet too often suffer in silence.
In an industry where togetherness and support are essential, Invisible Chips embodies the power of collective action. When each of us contributes even a little, together we can create the change that’s so desperately needed. This campaign stands as a powerful reminder that with kindness and community spirit, we can ease the burden on those who serve us daily.
Running since 2020, Invisible Chips has encouraged diners to rethink the way they approach dining, asking them to give, not for something tangible in return, but for the simple yet profound satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped someone in need. By turning a seemingly trivial purchase into a meaningful act of charity, Invisible Chips has become a beacon of hope and an unsung hero within the hospitality industry.
In every chip you don’t eat but choose to “buy,” there’s a chance to make a difference, and in every donation, there’s a story of support, resilience, and the power of community.