At ShefFood, our Fast Food campaign celebrates the people using food to build stronger, more connected communities across our city. Ananya WB and fellow RADMASH comrades were already on hand, keeping everyone well-fed with catering for our summer relaunch event when she took to the stage as one of our Fast Food spotlights. Her message to the room was clear: food is political, and sharing it is a powerful act of community resilience.
Operating strictly on the principle of “solidarity, not charity,” RADMASH is entirely volunteer-run. Inspired by the anti-capitalist, community-led traditions of movements like the Black Panthers, they use food not just to feed people, but to unite them, support them, and empower local action.
Here is a closer look at how they are feeding Sheffield’s frontlines and how you can get involved.
The Wicker Monthly Meals
RADMASH’s public-facing work starts its home at the Wicker with its free community meal. Held on the last Saturday of every month from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the meal takes place at Mums United (Wicker Chambers, 19-21 Wicker, S3 8HS). The monthly meals are potluck-style, so everyone is welcome to join in and bring a dish to share.
It is a warm, welcoming space that brings together a vibrant mix of local residents and community activists. Whether you are deeply involved in local organising or just a neighbour looking for a good meal and some friendly conversation, there is always a seat at the table.
Food Solidarity on the Frontlines
If people in Sheffield are coming together to fight for a fairer society, RADMASH is usually there to make sure they are fed. They specialise in “food solidarity,” providing catering, teas, and coffees for local justice movements, protests, and meetings.
Just this year, they successfully catered for 100 attendees at the Sheffield Transformed festival, and provided food for vital community meetings hosted by SYMAAG (South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group), the Lift the Ban coalition, and the No Palantir in the NHS campaign. They have also been a staple of support on the picket lines, keeping spirits high with hot drinks for striking doctors in April 2026, as well as teachers and Veolia bin workers during the 2025 strikes.
A Network of True Mutual Aid
RADMASH’s work extends far beyond the cooking pots. A core organising team of 10 to 15 people, each bringing different skills, from culinary magic to safeguarding expertise, helps run a wider mutual aid network across the city.
This network is a space where people can reach out for genuine, practical community support. That might look like:
- Resource sharing: Borrowing tools or household items.
- Advice & Navigation: Getting help understanding disability benefits, housing issues, or mental health support.
- Practical Action: Volunteers turning up to help a local resident move house.
- Emotional Solidarity: Providing a supportive presence for community members who have experienced racist or other kinds of abuse.
The group also focuses on bridging the gap between food and broader activism. Ahead of the anti-fascist counter-demonstrations this past June, RADMASH teamed up with Walkley and South Sheffield anti-fascist groups for an integrated outreach action along the Wicker. While team members went door-to-door letting local shops and residents know about the upcoming fascist presence in the neighbourhood, others were based back at Mums United serving hot food, inviting the community to share a meal, and stay connected.
Get Involved with RADMASH
RADMASH is always looking to welcome new faces and expand their educational and community events. Here is how you can support their vital work:
- Come to a meal: Head down to Mums United on the last Saturday of the month to share food and meet the network.
- Follow & Share: Keep an eye on upcoming events, calls for support, and educational initiatives by following them on Instagram at @sheff_radical_mutual_aid.
- Donate: The group relies entirely on grassroots support. You can find their donation QR code and links via their Instagram page to help fund their ongoing food solidarity work.
RADMASH was featured as part of ShefFood’s Fast Food campaign. To learn more about Sheffield’s Good Food Movement and discover other local food heroes, sign up for our newsletter at sheffood.org.uk.