BIMA House | Building A Digital Movement To End The Need For Food Banks

BIMA House @ SXSW London

This June, SXSW London will be the stage for bold, big ideas at the forefront of technology and creativity. As an official partner, BIMA House, is transforming The Joiner on Worship into a dynamic community hub for two days of curated events, designed to spark conversations, share insights, and connect industry leaders. Learn more HERE.

Join a fireside talk with Manifesto and Trussell, the anti-poverty charity and network of food banks, as we explore how digital is helping end hunger and drive system change. Let’s have an open conversation about why the system is broken—and how our industry can do more.

In 2024, 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed across the UK. How is hunger still a reality in the 21st century?

Let’s have an open conversation about why the system is broken—and how our industry can do more.

We’ll showcase how accessible digital experiences bridge the gap between human connections and rising demand for support, and explore how Trussell Trust’s vision for lasting change is becoming a reality through tech.

What to expect:

• The System is Broken – Let’s Talk About It: Join this honest discussion on why millions still rely on food banks, and how industries can drive change.
• Bridging Gaps with Digital Solutions: We will explore inclusive, scalable digital tools are helping frontline workers and expanding support without replacing human connections.
• Building a Movement for Lasting Change: Discover how tech is being used to mobilise communities, influence policy, and creates a hunger-free future.
• Why This Matters to You: The cost-of-living crisis isn’t going away. Learn how we can all step up and make a difference.
• Using Tech for Transformation, Not Just Optimisation: Let’s explore how digital can be used to build a future where no one needs a food bank.

Who is it for?

This session is for anyone passionate about driving social change and using digital for real impact, including:

• Charities & Nonprofits – Learn how digital innovation can improve support, donations, and community engagement.
• Change Leaders & Policy Makers – Understand how tech can drive systemic transformation and influence policy to reduce reliance on food banks.
• Digital & UX Professionals – Explore how to design accessible, inclusive experiences that meet the needs of diverse users, especially people in crisis.
• Community Organisers & Activists – See how digital tools can mobilise communities, unify content, and amplify voices for long-term change.
• Anyone Who Cares – No matter the backgroud, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you to take action.

Speaker line-up:

Louise Lai, Chief Client and Transformation Officer at manifesto

Louise has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over a decade and has extensive experience working with a huge number of not-for-profit brands, across fundraising strategy and planning, and programme implementation for UK and global organisations. She is a Member of the Board of Trustees for Blood Cancer UK.

She works with our clients to achieve their strategic goals through digital – from helping co-create strategies to establishing new eco-systems and sector benchmarks. She works closely with teams providing strategic oversight, facilitating planning and sessions to help shape briefs, goals and refine the opportunities for organisations.

Meredith Sneddon, Head of Digital and Public Engagement, Trussell

Meredith began her career at Oxford University Press before going on to working with Pharmaceutical companies. After years of feeling frustrated at the lack of social impact she moved to the charity sector where she led teams at the UK’s largest veteran’s charity, Royal British Legion, and now leads digital and transformation programmes as Head of Digital at Trussell, a UK charity with a vision to ensure no one needs a food bank to survive.

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For more information on becoming a BIMA Member visit the BIMA Site or email web@bima.co.uk