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£35 for a week – for a family of four (and a cat!)

  • March 14, 2022

When I received an email from FoodCycle about this specific fundraiser, I was certainly hesitant. In the press just the week before had been the story of YouTube streamer Alfie Deynes who took a ‘living on a £1’ for a day level to new heights of offensiveness by using his Range Rover to drive around, seeing his personal trainer and loading his video with adverts in order to make money. The internet thankfully kicked his bum, as his appropriation of the issue of poverty was grossly upsetting. I was worried that my portrayal of this fundraiser would get similar criticism, but I’m not making a mint out of it. I just hope that I can contribute to FoodCycle’s holiday hunger campaign.

What makes my story different is that I’m not a celebrity, but a Councillor in Portsmouth. I represent a ward that is the most impoverished in the city which is densely packed with lots of social housing. During the election campaign, the biggest topics on the doorstep were poverty, especially for those with disabilities and failing PIP assessments. These residents have next to nothing to live on. I took the email from FoodCycle and discussed it with my husband. I didn’t want to just live on £2.50 a day, so I suggested we up it to £5 but that feeds us. And our kids. And our cat. And for leisure activities. And to wash ourselves and our clothes. I asked FoodCycle if I could bend the rules ever so slightly and they agreed. We set the week commencing the 16thof July.

So now it’s the 17thand we only started today. On Sunday, the proposed day of our first half of shopping (a mix of Asda with 3.50pm yellow label lottery), I was unwell with a poorly tooth. The Monday alone cost me £21 for an emergency Dentist visit. I managed to hit Tesco after, but only to get the first half of our weeks food, with toiletries. I wanted to get some more food, but the Tesco I had managed to get to had decided that it was sold out of their value range in almost everything. We’ll have to hit ASDA tomorrow.

Planning has been paramount in this task. In a past life I worked as a canteen manager, and managed for a pub company, so I am very aware of profit and loss and cooking for the cheapest amount of money possible. Also, Jack Monroe’s recipes have been a great inspiration. I hope to take it further than just a Spaghetti Bolognaise or Chilli. I’ve factored in some costs for some very basic baking too, so the kids can join in and I may manage to get a cake/pudding this week.  My children are used to lots of fruit so I imagine this week will shock them as I simply can’t afford to buy so much. This is where the problems with nutrition start.

Are we getting our five a day? Ha! No! I’m able to get two but my kids one, that’s just from beans. I find myself unable to afford fruit.  Protein is another one. It’s coming out so far in cheap mince, sausages and eggs. I don’t think I can afford chicken at all. Maybe nuggets. Although, I might be able to do a Sunday roast if ASDA still sells those insane turkey legs, coupled with potatoes, frozen peas, 25p stuffing and 20p gravy.

The thought of all this preparation has already sent me quite close to breaking point, as I’m probably going to be shopping at 5 different places to make my money stretch. I’m thankful that I live in a city where so much happens for free so I don’t need to worry about keeping the kids entertained at the weekend. We have adventure playgrounds, museums and great splash pools. Most are within walking distance, and as per the rules of this week, I can’t afford the bus. Thursday will be a test as I will make my three-year-old walk a mile and a half to a coffee morning, and then back again. She’s been out of her pushchair for a year.

The reality is that I already come from a place of privilege in respect of this challenge. My rent and bills are paid, and my debts are under control due to incremental uplifts in family income over the last few years. This means I am going into this challenge without the burden of financial stress that people face it day in day out. It’s easy to plan when I know I can go back to spending more the following week. This kind of extremely low income is faced by a huge amount of families on a permanent basis. This is when the isolation sets in for them as they don’t want the hassle of a three-year-old screaming at them that it’s too far to walk, so they stay at home. They don’t want to feel the shame of not being able to afford a nice drink or an ice cream when so many kids out there are getting those things. They don’t want to be trying to explain to their children why, whilst they are screaming and the world looks on like they can’t keep their kids quiet. As somebody who suffers with poor mental health myself, I can only begin to imagine what it would be like because I know how often I just walk into a shop to make the problem go away. Money shouldn’t be making us feel ashamed at all. The system is broken.

Do you want to challenge yourself to take part in the Holiday Hunger Challenge? Click here to sign up – or click here to donate!

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Huge congratulations to Carly and her brother Liam, who took on a 2km open water swim at Rutland Water to raise funds for FoodCycle and smashed it! (We think there was a little bit of sibling rivalry at play)

We’re incredibly proud of Carly, who lives and breathes FoodCycle in every way. She’s been part of our team for 5 years and knows just how powerful our meals can be. For some, it’s the only cooked meal they’ll have that week, and the only chance to connect with others.

This swim, taken in memory of their dad, has raised over £1,200 to help tackle food waste, food poverty and loneliness.

👏 Well done Carly and Liam
👏 Thank you to everyone who has donated so far
💚 Every penny makes a difference

If you`re planning a fundraising event for FoodCycle, we`d love to hear about it!

#foodcycle #rutlandwater #Swimming #communitymeal #fightfoodwaste #sustainable #fundraising #justgiving

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17941728006030016
Huge congratulations to Carly and her brother Liam, who took on a 2km open water swim at Rutland Water to raise funds for FoodCycle and smashed it! (We think there was a little bit of sibling rivalry at play)

We’re incredibly proud of Carly, who lives and breathes FoodCycle in every way. She’s been part of our team for 5 years and knows just how powerful our meals can be. For some, it’s the only cooked meal they’ll have that week, and the only chance to connect with others.

This swim, taken in memory of their dad, has raised over £1,200 to help tackle food waste, food poverty and loneliness.

👏 Well done Carly and Liam
👏 Thank you to everyone who has donated so far
💚 Every penny makes a difference

If you're planning a fundraising event for FoodCycle, we'd love to hear about it! 

#foodcycle #rutlandwater #Swimming #communitymeal #fightfoodwaste #sustainable #fundraising #justgiving

Leftover courgettes languishing in the fridge?

Try this no-waste courgette recipe for your next BBQ.

Get the full recipe in the bio.

#Courgette #CourgetteDip #DipRecipe

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Leftover courgettes languishing in the fridge?

Try this no-waste courgette recipe for your next BBQ. 

Get the full recipe in the bio. 

#Courgette #CourgetteDip #DipRecipe

Serving food, saving waste, and spreading kindness 🫛❤️

This summer, we need more amazing people like Sue to help us cook, serve and connect with communities across the country.

Whether you`re a kitchen whizz or just keen to lend a hand, every session makes a difference.

Join us for a summer full of purpose, people and peas.

Sign up to volunteer today.

#summervolunteers #volunteering #fightfoodwaste

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18538204495032504
Serving food, saving waste, and spreading kindness 🫛❤️

This summer, we need more amazing people like Sue to help us cook, serve and connect with communities across the country.

Whether you're a kitchen whizz or just keen to lend a hand, every session makes a difference.

Join us for a summer full of purpose, people and peas.

Sign up to volunteer today.

#summervolunteers #volunteering #fightfoodwaste

Make courgettes the star of the show 🌟

What would you dip in this?

Maybe some 🥕
or some sticks of 🥒

Tell us below!
-----------------
Ingredients

500g Greek yoghurt
1 courgette(s) (boiled and cooled)
1 garlic clove(s) (crushed)
1 bunch(es) of fresh dill (chopped)
0.5 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 handful(s) of olives
1 tsp olive oil

Method
Mix the yoghurt, courgette (finely chopped), garlic, dill, oregano and red wine vinegar together in a bowl.

Make a dip with the back of the spoon in the middle of the bowl and fill with olive oil.

Garnish with olives if you’ve got them to hand.

Serve with flatbreads/pitta bread.

#Tzatziki #courgette #courgetterecipe #partydip #diprecipe #homemadedip

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18161559001365026
Make courgettes the star of the show 🌟

What would you dip in this?

Maybe some 🥕
or some sticks of 🥒

Tell us below! 
-----------------
Ingredients

500g Greek yoghurt
1 courgette(s) (boiled and cooled)
1 garlic clove(s) (crushed)
1 bunch(es) of fresh dill (chopped)
0.5 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 handful(s) of olives
1 tsp olive oil

Method
Mix the yoghurt, courgette (finely chopped), garlic, dill, oregano and red wine vinegar together in a bowl.

Make a dip with the back of the spoon in the middle of the bowl and fill with olive oil.

Garnish with olives if you’ve got them to hand.

Serve with flatbreads/pitta bread.

#Tzatziki #courgette #courgetterecipe #partydip #diprecipe #homemadedip

Meet Nathan, a cooking volunteer at FoodCycle Hucknall and Broxtowe-Aspley in Nottinghamshire.

At 44, Nathan was looking to shake off the routine of work and do something more fulfilling with his time. He joined FoodCycle to give back, but found much more than he expected – growing in confidence, building new skills and rediscovering his passion for cooking.

Volunteering has even inspired a new career, as Nathan recently became a volunteer co-ordinator for his local council.

We love hearing how FoodCycle makes a difference not just for guests, but for our incredible volunteers too.

Join us and make a real difference in your community.

#Nottingham #community #communitymeal #freemeal #volunteering #Hucknall #BroxtoweAspley

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18071034962025117
Meet Nathan, a cooking volunteer at FoodCycle Hucknall and Broxtowe-Aspley in Nottinghamshire.

At 44, Nathan was looking to shake off the routine of work and do something more fulfilling with his time. He joined FoodCycle to give back, but found much more than he expected – growing in confidence, building new skills and rediscovering his passion for cooking.

Volunteering has even inspired a new career, as Nathan recently became a volunteer co-ordinator for his local council.

We love hearing how FoodCycle makes a difference not just for guests, but for our incredible volunteers too.

Join us and make a real difference in your community.

#Nottingham #community #communitymeal #freemeal #volunteering #Hucknall #BroxtoweAspley

Halfway there, Harry! 🏃‍♂️🔥

Huge shoutout to Harry Barham who recently completed his 5th half marathon in his epic challenge to run 10 half marathons in support of FoodCycle and FareShare North East – that’s 131 miles in total!

His most recent run was a scorcher, but Harry powered through with determination and a whole lot of heart.

He’s running to help tackle food waste, food poverty and support stronger communities and he’s already halfway to the finish line.

Let’s cheer him on and help him hit that fundraising goal 💚
Donate here at giveasyoulive.com and search "harry runs 25"

#HarryRuns25 #fundraising #halfmarathon #foodcycle #communitymeals

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17894630658147165
Halfway there, Harry! 🏃‍♂️🔥

Huge shoutout to Harry Barham who recently completed his 5th half marathon in his epic challenge to run 10 half marathons in support of FoodCycle and FareShare North East – that’s 131 miles in total!

His most recent run was a scorcher, but Harry powered through with determination and a whole lot of heart.

He’s running to help tackle food waste, food poverty and support stronger communities and he’s already halfway to the finish line.

Let’s cheer him on and help him hit that fundraising goal 💚
Donate here at giveasyoulive.com and search "harry runs 25"

#HarryRuns25 #fundraising #halfmarathon #foodcycle #communitymeals

FoodCycle has given me a great sense of purpose.” 💚

Meet Rosie, a 73-year-old volunteer from Worcester who joined FoodCycle to give back in her retirement, and found so much more.

From building confidence in the kitchen to making new friends, Rosie says volunteering has become a meaningful and joyful part of her week.

“I really enjoy every session. I can’t always go weekly, but FoodCycle is so flexible – you just sign up when you can. I tell everyone I know about it!”

Thank you, Rosie, for being such a valued part of the FoodCycle family.

Head to the link in the bio to join us.

#summervolunteers #foodcycle #communitymeal #fightfoodwaste #volunteering #worcester

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18051650228614992
FoodCycle has given me a great sense of purpose.” 💚

Meet Rosie, a 73-year-old volunteer from Worcester who joined FoodCycle to give back in her retirement, and found so much more.

From building confidence in the kitchen to making new friends, Rosie says volunteering has become a meaningful and joyful part of her week.

“I really enjoy every session. I can’t always go weekly, but FoodCycle is so flexible – you just sign up when you can. I tell everyone I know about it!”

Thank you, Rosie, for being such a valued part of the FoodCycle family.

Head to the link in the bio to join us.

#summervolunteers #foodcycle #communitymeal #fightfoodwaste #volunteering #worcester

Friendships that go beyond the kitchen 💚

We absolutely loved seeing this update from our brilliant Clacton volunteers, who spent a sunny evening in Frinton enjoying a walking quiz, fish and chips, and plenty of laughs!

Sixteen of the team came together for a bit of friendly competition and fun, followed by a delicious beach hut supper and lots of chat about FoodCycle with curious passers-by.

Moments like these show just how strong the sense of community is among our volunteers. It’s more than just cooking and serving meals, it’s about connection, friendship and supporting one another.

Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special. We’re lucky to have such a wonderful Clacton crew!

#Foodcycle #Clacton #FoodWaste #Frinton #Community #MakingFriends

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18060514409209479
Friendships that go beyond the kitchen 💚

We absolutely loved seeing this update from our brilliant Clacton volunteers, who spent a sunny evening in Frinton enjoying a walking quiz, fish and chips, and plenty of laughs!

Sixteen of the team came together for a bit of friendly competition and fun, followed by a delicious beach hut supper and lots of chat about FoodCycle with curious passers-by.

Moments like these show just how strong the sense of community is among our volunteers. It’s more than just cooking and serving meals, it’s about connection, friendship and supporting one another.

Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special. We’re lucky to have such a wonderful Clacton crew!

#Foodcycle #Clacton #FoodWaste #Frinton #Community #MakingFriends

Not all heroes wear capes, some rock an apron and hairnet and whip up a mean pasta bake...

Join our volunteer team and help cook, serve or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s chopping veggies, plating up meals or washing up, it all makes a difference.

Join us for a Summer of Peas & Love. 🫛❤️

Do good, feel good, volunteer with us this summer.

Head to the link in the bio to register and have the best summer ever.

#SummerGoals #SummerVolunteers #Community #CommunityKitchen #FreeMeal #FoodCycle

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18121146427421273
Not all heroes wear capes, some rock an apron and hairnet and whip up a mean pasta bake...

Join our volunteer team and help cook, serve or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s chopping veggies, plating up meals or washing up, it all makes a difference.

Join us for a Summer of Peas & Love. 🫛❤️

Do good, feel good, volunteer with us this summer. 

Head to the link in the bio to register and have the best summer ever. 

#SummerGoals #SummerVolunteers #Community #CommunityKitchen #FreeMeal #FoodCycle

🎾 A huge shoutout to our friends at Danone for treating some of our amazing volunteers (and a few staff too!) to an unforgettable day at Wimbledon 💚

On 5th July, a group of lucky volunteers from all over the country were picked in a random draw and got to enjoy top tennis action plus a tasty lunch and afternoon tea.

We’re so grateful to Danone for recognising the time, care and energy our volunteers give every week. You are the heart of FoodCycle and we love being able to say thank you in fun and meaningful ways like this.

Here’s to more memories, more meals and more community 💫

#FoodCycle #ThankYouDanone #Wimbledon

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18103621048554461
🎾 A huge shoutout to our friends at Danone for treating some of our amazing volunteers (and a few staff too!) to an unforgettable day at Wimbledon 💚

On 5th July, a group of lucky volunteers from all over the country were picked in a random draw and got to enjoy top tennis action plus a tasty lunch and afternoon tea.

We’re so grateful to Danone for recognising the time, care and energy our volunteers give every week. You are the heart of FoodCycle and we love being able to say thank you in fun and meaningful ways like this.

Here’s to more memories, more meals and more community 💫

#FoodCycle #ThankYouDanone #Wimbledon
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FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]

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© FoodCycle 2022

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Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349

Website by me&you