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101

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#BlackLivesMatter

  • March 14, 2022

In June we posted the below blog post in response to #blacklivesmatter.  Since then we have been working on the points that we outlined and as promised, below you will find where we are, with each of them.

Review and update our equality and diversity policy.

  • This is still under review and we will be looking to work with someone who specialises in this area.  We want to make sure that it is properly embedded and shared throughout the organisation.

Have conversations and conduct surveys to understand in more detail, the diversity across our volunteers and guests.

  • In a recent survey, we asked our volunteers if they thought FoodCycle guests and volunteers represented the diversity of their local community, 66% answered yes. This was from a survey of 239 volunteers across the country (chart below).
  • We will be conducting a guest survey in the next few months and we will be using this to understand, in more detail, the diversity of the people that we support.
  • When volunteers first register, we ask them to provide information on their ethnicity/race.  We reviewed these responses and compared them to national statistics. We are pleased to report that the diversity of FoodCycle volunteers is much higher than the national average and we will be continuing to monitor this and ensure that we do all we can to keep it this way.

Find new ways to ensure that people from minority backgrounds are represented across the charity (employees, trustees, volunteers and guests).

  • This is ongoing and something that we hope our working group will help and support us with.

Seek advice and guidance from charities and organisations working in this area and members of the BAME community, to help us address and drive change and look at how we can set up a BAME working group to support us longer term.

  • We have been in touch with a number of people and charities that are working in this area and we will continue to seek support and advice where needed.  We are also in the process of inviting people to join our equality, diversity and inclusion working group, please see more information on this below.

Compile and share a list of resources and links with staff and volunteers to support them in educating themselves on the subject.

  • This is something that we still need to develop and will enlist the help from the members of our new working group.

Share our learnings along the way, recognising that we will not always get things right, but we will listen and work to continually improve.

  • We will share our next update in January 2021

 

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WORKING GROUP

Can you help us continue to improve and develop in this area? We are looking for people from various backgrounds to join our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working group.  We want a range of different people to reflect the diversity of the people and communities that we support. We would ideally want to ensure that we have representatives to cover the following areas:

  • Individuals who identify as PoC/ BAME
  • Individuals identifying as LGBTQ+
  • Individuals who have lived experience of loneliness, poverty (food or other), low income, and/or mental health.
  • Individuals who identify as having a disability

 

The group will meet (virtually), a couple of times a year to discuss topics such as how we as FoodCycle can continue to support diversity in our organisation. We want to truly reflect the communities that we are serving in, and make sure that we feel open and welcoming to all those who would like to get involved.  We are looking for ideas, and discussion on how we can improve our internal structures to be even more inclusive and open, and finally how is best to share and highlight these improvements and changes within FoodCycle and also with other organsations that we work with.

If you would like to join our working group, please email us on [email protected]

 

 

Blog Post from 11th June

At FoodCycle we bring communities together by providing a safe and friendly environment, where everyone is greeted with a big smile.  We strive for a society where no one is hungry or lonely and take pride in welcoming people from all backgrounds and walks of life, 85% of guests said that they had met people from different backgrounds at a FoodCycle meal.

We want employees, volunteers, trustees, supporters, guests and beneficiaries to feel valued, regardless of their race, background, religion, or circumstance.

Like many, recent events have made us stop and consider the changes that society can make to ensure we live in a world free from racism, and we want to constructively engage in the fight against it and help create change.

We want to work harder within our organisation to help stamp out racial prejudice and we want to support our staff and volunteers and encourage them to do the same.

We recognise that we are not alone in the charity sector in facing a lack of diversity amongst our employees, and we will take a lead to address that.

In particular, our senior management team and trustees will take concrete action to ensure the charity, as a whole, reflects diversity.

We have agreed that we will:

  • Review and update our equality and diversity policy
  • Have conversations and conduct surveys to understand in more detail, the diversity across our volunteers and guests
  • Find new ways to ensure that people from minority backgrounds are represented across the charity (employees, trustees, volunteers and guests)
  • Seek advice and guidance from charities and organisations working in this area and members of the BAME community, to help us address and drive change and look at how we can set up a BAME working group to support us longer term
  • Compile and share a list of resources and links with staff and volunteers to support them in educating themselves on the subject
  • Share our learnings along the way, recognising that we will not always get things right, but we will listen and work to continually improve

We will share another update on the above points in September.

If you have any concerns, suggestions or ideas on ways that we can make sure we are doing everything we can, or if you have any links or recommendations for our list of resources, then please email [email protected]

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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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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

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Well done to the fantastic team at FoodCycle Weoley Castle for another warm and welcoming community meal 💚

This week, they served 22 guests, welcomed a brand new hosting volunteer, and dished up a delicious three-course menu featuring:
🥣 Roasted cauliflower and fennel soup
🍅 Ratatouille with mash and side salad
🍊 Orange drizzle cake

We also want to give a huge shout-out to Jacky, who hit an incredible milestone of 400 volunteer hours! Thank you for your dedication and the difference you continue to make every week 🎉

If you’re in the Weoley Castle area, head to St Gabriel’s at 4pm on Tuesdays for a free meal, good chat and a warm welcome.

Thinking about volunteering? Sign up here via the link in the bio.

#Volunteering #FoodCycle #WeoleyCastle #FreeMeal #WestMidlands #ThreeCourseMeal

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18104314987543694
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Well done to the fantastic team at FoodCycle Weoley Castle for another warm and welcoming community meal 💚

This week, they served 22 guests, welcomed a brand new hosting volunteer, and dished up a delicious three-course menu featuring:
🥣 Roasted cauliflower and fennel soup
🍅 Ratatouille with mash and side salad
🍊 Orange drizzle cake

We also want to give a huge shout-out to Jacky, who hit an incredible milestone of 400 volunteer hours! Thank you for your dedication and the difference you continue to make every week 🎉

If you’re in the Weoley Castle area, head to St Gabriel’s at 4pm on Tuesdays for a free meal, good chat and a warm welcome.

Thinking about volunteering? Sign up here via the link in the bio. 

#Volunteering #FoodCycle #WeoleyCastle #FreeMeal #WestMidlands #ThreeCourseMeal

A huge thank you to Jane and her brilliant "Ladies that Picnic" for coming together to support FoodCycle during The Big Lunch 💚

Jane hosted a wonderful afternoon filled with community spirit, delicious vegetarian dishes, a quiz, a raffle and even original artwork for sale, all to raise vital funds for our work.

We’re so grateful to Jane and everyone who came along. Your generosity and creativity help us bring people together over food, one meal at a time.

#TheBigLunch #FoodCycle #CommunitySupport #Wardley #Swinton

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18351310624087623
A huge thank you to Jane and her brilliant "Ladies that Picnic" for coming together to support FoodCycle during The Big Lunch 💚

Jane hosted a wonderful afternoon filled with community spirit, delicious vegetarian dishes, a quiz, a raffle and even original artwork for sale, all to raise vital funds for our work.

We’re so grateful to Jane and everyone who came along. Your generosity and creativity help us bring people together over food, one meal at a time.

#TheBigLunch #FoodCycle #CommunitySupport #Wardley #Swinton

Run for change in 2026

We’ve got two charity places for the iconic London Marathon and they could be yours 👟

Take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping FoodCycle fight food poverty, tackle loneliness and stop good food from going to waste 💚

Think you’ve got what it takes? Tell us why you’d love to run for us by Sunday 6 July.

📝 Apply now via the link in the bio
📌 £100 reg fee
🎯 £2,500 fundraising target

Let’s do something amazing together.

#FoodCycle #LondonMarathon #CharityPlace #RunForCharity

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17857416597451630
Run for change in 2026

We’ve got two charity places for the iconic London Marathon and they could be yours 👟

Take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping FoodCycle fight food poverty, tackle loneliness and stop good food from going to waste 💚

Think you’ve got what it takes? Tell us why you’d love to run for us by Sunday 6 July.

📝 Apply now via the link in the bio
📌 £100 reg fee
🎯 £2,500 fundraising target

Let’s do something amazing together.

#FoodCycle #LondonMarathon #CharityPlace #RunForCharity

50 guests, a buzzing dining room and a whole lot of love in Clacton this week!

The sun was shining, the queue was full of chatter, and the energy inside was just as warm 💚

A huge shout out to newly graduated Project Leader Yvonne, who served up her first official meal made entirely from fresh surplus ingredients and nailed it! 👏

Every guest left with a grocery bag to take home, and Collection PL Chris worked his usual magic, making sure nothing went to waste. Even his chickens were happy with the scraps 🐓

Great food, great people, great Monday. Clacton, you rock!

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18331943779165808
50 guests, a buzzing dining room and a whole lot of love in Clacton this week! 

The sun was shining, the queue was full of chatter, and the energy inside was just as warm 💚

A huge shout out to newly graduated Project Leader Yvonne, who served up her first official meal made entirely from fresh surplus ingredients and nailed it! 👏

Every guest left with a grocery bag to take home, and Collection PL Chris worked his usual magic, making sure nothing went to waste. Even his chickens were happy with the scraps 🐓

Great food, great people, great Monday. Clacton, you rock!

Looking for a feel-good gift that actually makes a difference?

Say hello to the FoodCycle merch range 💚

💚 Tote bags that carry kindness
💚 Tees and aprons that spread good vibes
💚 The perfect pressie for your foodie friend, your hosting hero or just yourself (you deserve it)

Every purchase supports our mission to feed communities, fight food waste and tackle loneliness.

Tap the link in bio to shop and gift with purpose.

#FoodCycle #ToteBag #Apron #GiftIddeas #CharityGift

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18062368280470329
Looking for a feel-good gift that actually makes a difference?

Say hello to the FoodCycle merch range 💚

💚 Tote bags that carry kindness
💚 Tees and aprons that spread good vibes
💚 The perfect pressie for your foodie friend, your hosting hero or just yourself (you deserve it)

Every purchase supports our mission to feed communities, fight food waste and tackle loneliness.

Tap the link in bio to shop and gift with purpose.

#FoodCycle #ToteBag #Apron #GiftIddeas #CharityGift

No fresh food? No problem!

To the store cupboard 😁

You need to watch this and see the incredible meal our volunteers produced with store cupboard ingredients and some epic teamwork :-)

Thanks to the Mitcham team for sharing.

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No fresh food? No problem! 

To the store cupboard 😁

You need to watch this and see the incredible meal our volunteers produced with store cupboard ingredients and some epic teamwork :-) 

Thanks to the Mitcham team for sharing.

☀️ Sandwiches.
👥 Great company.
🌍 A meaningful cause.

It`s National Picnic Week, and what a brilliant moment to make your Big Lunch a picnic.

Lunch outdoors can bring your friends, family, or work team together, boost morale, and raise vital funds to help FoodCycle tackle food waste, hunger, and loneliness.

Keep it simple. Make it count.

Start planning via the link in the bio.

#NationalPicnicWeek

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17863421700422008
☀️ Sandwiches.
👥 Great company.
🌍 A meaningful cause.

It's National Picnic Week, and what a brilliant moment to make your Big Lunch a picnic.

Lunch outdoors can bring your friends, family, or work team together, boost morale, and raise vital funds to help FoodCycle tackle food waste, hunger, and loneliness.

Keep it simple. Make it count.

Start planning via the link in the bio. 

#NationalPicnicWeek

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re proud to be part of something that brings people together 💚

At FoodCycle, no one eats alone. Our community meals offer food, conversation and connection because we know a friendly face and a warm plate can go a long way.

🌱 83% of guests feel happier after a meal
🤝 78% feel less lonely
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A shared meal can mean so much more than just food.
It can be friendship.
Support.
A reason to smile.

Let`s tackle loneliness and food waste together.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Community #BetterTogether

47 1
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18067938281066591
This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re proud to be part of something that brings people together 💚

At FoodCycle, no one eats alone. Our community meals offer food, conversation and connection because we know a friendly face and a warm plate can go a long way.

🌱 83% of guests feel happier after a meal
🤝 78% feel less lonely
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A shared meal can mean so much more than just food.
It can be friendship.
Support.
A reason to smile.

Let's tackle loneliness and food waste together. 

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Community #BetterTogether
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    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
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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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  • Find a Meal
  • Community Meals
  • Who We Are
  • Fundraise

Follow us

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Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

© FoodCycle 2022

Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349

Website by me&you