The Community Cook Up

Photography by Hannah Norton

Photography by Hannah Norton

Photography by Hannah Norton

In the heart of North London, documentary photographer Hannah Norton has found a calling. Through her lens, she captures more than just images; she documents stories, emotions, and the resilience of a community often overlooked by society. Her latest work, centred on a food bank in Tottenham, not only humanises the participants but also sheds light on the broader social issues that affect them.

Hannah Norton’s journey as a documentary photographer has always been deeply personal. “My documentary practice and community work were totally separate entities before the Community Cook Up project,” she recalls. Her approach to photography is slow and deliberate, focusing on long-term projects that allow her to build relationships with her subjects over time. This method, she believes, lets her capture the true essence of people, as they grow comfortable in front of the camera and eventually see the process as a form of play.

It wasn’t until she volunteered at The Community Cook Up that these two worlds—art and community—began to intersect. Initially, her involvement at the food bank was purely as a volunteer, with no intention of making it a photographic project. “Four years into me volunteering, Alison, who founded the cook-up, asked if I wanted to do a community photography project, and the rest is history.“ she says. This project not only transformed her work but also solidified her commitment to using photography as a tool for social change.

Norton’s work comes at a critical time for the UK. The country is grappling with an unprecedented rise in poverty, with food banks becoming a lifeline for many. Modern Britain is experiencing the highest rise in absolute poverty in 30 years, with increasing numbers of people relying on food banks to survive.

Between April and September 2023, UK food banks distributed 1.5 million parcels, a staggering 16% increase from the previous year. To put this in perspective, in 2018, that number was less than half—690,000 parcels.

Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, food banks in the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide network distributed more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels to people facing hardship, with more than 1.1 million of these parcels for children. This is an increase of 94% over the past five years.

The surge in demand reflects the harsh realities of a nation facing severe economic challenges, with rising inflationary pressures and COVID-19 compounding years of austerity and stagnating wages.

Food banks struggle with supply shortages, inconsistent donations, and competition for resources among charitable organisations. The challenges are not just logistical but also financial—many food banks, including the one where Norton volunteers, rely on grants and donations to operate. Yet, securing sufficient and consistent funding has become increasingly difficult, particularly in the current economic climate.

One of the most compelling aspects of Norton’s work is her ability to portray her subjects with dignity and humanity. In a society where food bank users are often stigmatised and marginalised, Norton’s portraits offer a counter-narrative. “A portrait can offer people the opportunity to see themselves in a way they haven’t been able to themselves—whether that is with kindness, love, beauty. It can offer people dignity and pride,” she explains.

Her commitment to her subjects goes beyond the act of taking a photograph. Each week, she would print the photos and lay them on a table at the food bank, allowing the community to see and take their portraits. This simple act of sharing created a powerful connection between the subjects and the photographs. “The community being able to see everyone’s photo allowed them to be a part of the process; it gave people something to talk about and brought shyer members of the community out of their shell.“

Norton’s involvement with the Tottenham food bank wasn’t just about the photography; it was about the people and the energy of the place. “I so clearly remember walking through the door for the first time, the energy was really special“ she says, describing the bustling environment filled with the sounds of cooking, music, and conversation. This was a place where people came not just for food but for connection and community.

However, the challenges faced by the food bank and its users are stark reminders of the broader issues affecting vulnerable communities in London. Norton highlights the lack of support from local authorities, recounting how the council evicted the food bank from its premises, leaving the community to operate outside in harsh weather conditions. “That room sits empty whilst the cook-up community is forced to be outside—I think that tells you everything you need to know,“ she says, pointing to the systemic neglect faced by the community.

The struggles of food banks are compounded by complex bureaucratic hurdles. For instance, food bank users must bring a voucher from a recognized referee—such as Citizens Advice, social workers, or doctors—to receive aid. This system, meant to ensure that food banks serve as a last resort, often overlooks the ongoing crises many individuals face.

The recent decision by the Department for Work and Pensions to prevent job centres from issuing these vouchers adds yet another layer of difficulty for those in need.

Gaining access to people’s lives and homes is a privilege that Norton does not take lightly. Her ability to enter these spaces and document them is a testament to the trust she has built with her subjects over time. “Every time someone says yes to having their photo taken it touches me, especially those I’ve photographed multiple times and been in their homes,” she reflects. This trust is not just about the act of taking a photograph; it’s about being invited into someone’s life and being allowed to share their story with the world.

For now, Norton continues to photograph the members of the community, driven by the friendships and connections she has forged. Although she’s not currently thinking in terms of a new project, she knows that her work with the Tottenham food bank is far from over. “They continue to inspire me, so I will continue to photograph them,” she says.

Norton’s work with the food bank has also led to a publication produced in collaboration with Then There Was Us. “It’s so the public can take the project home with them and get to meet the community and read their stories—that’s always been very important to me,“ she says, emphasising her commitment to making these stories accessible to a wider audience.

As she looks to the future, Norton is in the early stages of planning new projects, both in Tottenham and back in the Midlands. These projects, she hopes, will continue to build on the themes of connection and community that have become central to her work. But for now, she remains focused on the present, on continuing to create and document the stories that matter.

In a world where the vulnerable are often invisible, Hannah Norton’s work shines a light on the beauty, resilience, and dignity of those who are too often overlooked. Through her lens, she not only captures images but also fosters understanding and empathy.

Hannah's work was displayed in Coals Drop Yard at Kings Cross London throughout the summer. You can keep up to date with her work here.

Written by Jai Toor