Inspiring and tireless The food campaigners I admire

As we approach the end of 2022, this is my tribute to the people who have rallied to support others remarkable

- MELISSA THOMPSON

Food is sustenance, but as a BBC Good Food reader, you know it can also be much more. It can be joy, comfort, celebration and love. And often, it can be used as a vehicle for bigger issues: to educate, raise awareness and raise funds.

At the end of a year that has seen Russia invade Ukraine, causing repercussions around the world - including rising food, petrol and gas prices, to the cost-of-living crisis that has seen families struggle to afford to heat their homes and buy food - it is the generosity of spirit of those who try to help by any means that truly inspires.

Perhaps it is because food is such a vital aspect of our lives, but those working in it have rallied to support people. Then, there are those who have used their platforms to shout about inequality and unfairness in events that may have otherwise fallen from our consciousness.

Here, we celebrate those in food who have worked tirelessly to help others.

JAYA CHANDNA

Jaya Chandna is a child psychologist by day, but by night - and on weekends - she uses her brilliant cookery skills to raise funds for various causes.

Her mission started with the Indian farmer protests in 2021, against acts introduced by the Indian government that would remove financial safeguards for farmers to receive guaranteed prices for their stock, and which they feared would leave them vulnerable to large corporations. With more than 40% of the working population in farming, and more than 70% of global spices originating in India, she started selling mail-order DIY dhal kits in the UK -mixes of lentils and spices using her great-grandmother's recipes.