Dame Prue Leith teamed up with an organiser from Kidlington to launch a national event which brings people together.
The Big Lunch is set to take place this summer on June 1-2 and promises to be the "greenest" yet.
Emily Connally, who runs Cherwell Collective in Kidlington, joined Dame Prue at a garden project in London to kickstart the eco-conscious festivity.
The launch featured the colour green in a number of ways with guests dressed in the colour, green-themed decorations, and an entirely green Big Lunch, including a centrepiece green cake.
Dame Prue, who last year rallied the nation from a Coronation Big Lunch held at Westminster Abbey, voiced her enthusiasm for the Eden Project’s event.
The initiative encourages people to share friendship, food, and fun while being environmentally mindful.
Cherwell Collective, founded in 2020, reduces waste by using surplus food that would otherwise end up in the bin.
The community-interest company runs a food larder and a Climatarian Cafe, which has served more than 12,000 dishes since its inception.
The project has saved the carbon equivalent of 39,500 car miles.
Ms Connally said: "It’s an honour to sit around this unique Big Green Lunch table with Dame Prue Leith and so many other people taking planet-positive action in their communities.
"Not only have we had a chance to sample delicious and sustainably sourced dishes and enjoy upcycled and natural table decor, but we’ve also been able to pick up some top tips and ideas for making our upcoming Big Lunch events as green as they possibly can be.”
Dame Prue Leith, an ambassador for the cause, invited communities to participate in the Big Lunch, saying it is "the perfect opportunity to get people together in our neighbourhoods over a bite to eat".
Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project’s programme director said: “The Big Lunch has always been about sharing and this year we want to dial that message up to make this year’s Big Lunch the greenest yet.
"Every year we invite millions of people UK-wide to come together in their communities to share friendship, food and fun and our research shows the positive difference taking part has.
"With climate change registering as one of the top concerns people across the UK share, we want to show how fun it is to make little changes that are good for people and the planet at the greenest Big Lunch."
The Big Lunch, since its launch in 2009, has risen to become the largest annual act of community friendship in the UK with an average of seven million participants each year.
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