Skip to content

Volunteer Login

Volunteer
Donate
  • Donate
  • About us
    • Who We Are
    • FoodCycle’s Impact
    • What is a FoodCycle Community Meal?
    • Schools Community Meals
    • Supporters and Partners
    • Meet Our Guests and Volunteers
    • Staff and Trustee Team
    • Patrons and Ambassadors
    • Reports and publications
  • Find a Meal
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Roles
    • Equal opportunities
  • Support Us
    • Corporate Support
    • Corporate Team Cooking Challenge
    • Challenge Events
    • Fundraise
    • The Big Lunch
    • FoodCycle Lottery
    • Trusts and Major Gifts
    • Donate Food
    • Donate
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • About us
    • Who We Are
    • FoodCycle’s Impact
    • What is a FoodCycle Community Meal?
    • Schools Community Meals
    • Supporters and Partners
    • Meet Our Guests and Volunteers
    • Staff and Trustee Team
    • Patrons and Ambassadors
    • Reports and publications
  • Find a Meal
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Roles
    • Equal opportunities
  • Support Us
    • Corporate Support
    • Corporate Team Cooking Challenge
    • Challenge Events
    • Fundraise
    • The Big Lunch
    • FoodCycle Lottery
    • Trusts and Major Gifts
    • Donate Food
    • Donate
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Contact Us

Find a community meal

Find a meal

Celebrating volunteers this International Women’s Day

  • March 5, 2025

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women who give their time, energy, and passion to volunteering at FoodCycle community meals. 

Every week they help tackle food poverty and loneliness, creating welcoming spaces where everyone can share a nourishing meal.  At FoodCycle, we believe everyone should have access to good food. We also know that women are more likely to be on low incomes and can face higher levels of food poverty. That’s why our meals play a vital role in ensuring communities have a place to turn. 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Accelerate Action, which reminds us that real change happens when people step up. These inspiring volunteers do just that – taking action in their communities and making a real difference. 

Meet some of them below and learn why they love being part of FoodCycle: 

???? Joan – FoodCycle Middlesbrough Breckon Hill 

Known as ‘Nan’ to many at her local FoodCycle project, retired nurse Joan brings positive energy to everyone she meets as a hosting volunteer. 

Joan says: “I like working with people, and feeling that I am being of some use. It’s wonderful, you meet lovely people and you’re helping your community… It’s just nice to know that you’ve helped somebody.” 

???? Asli – FoodCycle Schools – Ark Globe 

Asli is a FoodCycle hosting lead at the London school where she’s also a teacher. She finds joy in seeing pupils and their families coming together each week. 

Asli says: “Ever since I first heard of it, I’ve been obsessed with FoodCycle! I just love the idea that we can make food out of what’s given to us, and share it with the community.” 

“I think the FoodCycle meals are definitely making a big difference. You can see the families that are coming consistently every week, and we do have children that struggle eating at home, because of the cost of living crisis. But when they’re here, they’re just so happy that they get to eat hot meals and experience new foods.  

“I talk to our guests all the time and the feedback that I get is: ‘This has brought my family closer. This has brought my friends, and other parents closer.’ It’s just positive on positive on positive.” 

???? Robyn – FoodCycle Ipswich 

Retired yoga teacher and NHS education officer Robyn started volunteering with FoodCycle as a way to meet new people, after moving to a new area. 

Robyn says: “I really like that we’re using up ingredients and reducing food waste. The cooking team are incredibly creative, they make amazing tasty meals…  

“There’s definitely a sense of community at FoodCycle. I enjoy seeing the same faces in the kitchen and having a chat about the week. It’s helped widen my social circle and expand my network.” 

 

???? Sue – FoodCycle Coventry  

Former pub landlady Sue turned her cooking skills to volunteering, to give back to the local community who helped her through tough times.  

Sue says: “It gives me pleasure back to be volunteering. I’ve been cooking for over 40 years, but it’s also a learning trip for me seeing how different cultures cook. Food is a universal language. That’s part of the joy of it. 

“There’s a lot of satisfaction in seeing people enjoying the food that you’re cooking, and listening to people talking to each other. It’s just about getting the community together.  

“Even for people who volunteer, they might be feeling isolated themselves, it’s not just the people who come together to eat. If you are feeling a little bit lonely actually, it’s a great way of meeting new people and being involved.” 

???? Pearl – FoodCycle Walthamstow and Plaistow 

Pearl a management consultant from East London, is a FoodCycle Project Leader regularly helping lead a team of fellow volunteers at two London projects. 

Pearl said: “I saw the devastating impact Covid, and the cost-of-living crisis had on the local community, and I wanted to give back. I love volunteering because as a community, we welcome anyone who walks through our doors and treat them like a guest in our home for a few hours. To me that’s pure joy. The guests seem to love it too.” 

 

???? Ashliegh – FoodCycle Salford  

Winner of our first FoodCycle Hero award of 2025, Ashliegh is a Project Leader, who has not only volunteered 270+ hours her local community meal, but also fundraised £3,000! 

Ashliegh says: “FoodCycle is so important for our community because it brings people from all walks of life together. It’s for absolutely anyone and everyone, and we basically all just come together for one really lovely night and sit and have a chat and tell stories and swap stores and it really is just amazing.” 

 

???? Jenny – FoodCycle Leicester Highfields  

Jenny started volunteering for when a FoodCycle community meal opened in the local community centre where she’s been involved for 40 years. 

Jenny says: “It’s an absolute joy. It’s a blessing. I would encourage anyone to come and volunteer and experience what I am experiencing… “It’s brilliant for our community. People know the minute they step in they will get help.” 

 

???? Sue – FoodCycle Chelmsford 

Retired teacher and devoted nan-of-four, Sue regularly leads the cooking volunteer team. Sue says volunteering with FoodCycle has become a vital part of her ‘social calendar, after retiring from her job of 40 years. 

Sue says: “We’ve got a great team, both in the kitchen and hosting. It’s friendly, it’s sociable, you get to meet new people… “It makes me feel useful. It makes me feel that I am still doing something worthwhile.” 

 

???? Averil – FoodCycle East Ham and Plaistow 

Keen home cook Averil started as a cooking volunteer with FoodCycle after taking early retirement from her job as an office manager. At home she enjoys baking her own sourdough and cooking from scratch, and is a huge asset to her local community meals in Plaistow and Newham.

Averil says: “It’s an excellent charity to be involved with. It’s totally flexible so ideal for people who have busy lives… 

“It challenges your creativity, I often am responsible for picking up surplus food at a supermarket.  Whilst doing so I’m already starting the meal planning. It’s like the old TV programme Ready Steady Cook, you all work as a team and decide together which dishes to prepare using the food available that day.  

“It’s a really nice aspect the teamwork, and lovely to chat while you are meal prepping. It’s also extremely varied in terms of who volunteers, you get students, working age people and also retirees. I’ve met some super interesting people doing FoodCycle, definitely lots of people who you wouldn’t usually cross paths with.” 

“It’s really rewarding seeing peoples’ faces light up when the food is presented. We pride ourselves in serving well prepared food… “For me personally I love combatting food waste, I think it is shocking that so much is thrown away so if that can be turned into something positive, that’s a brilliant thing.” 

 

???? Ann – FoodCycle Ipswich 

You’ll find FoodCycle cooking volunteer and ‘dessert queen’ Ann whipping up a fresh fruit crumble most weeks at her local community meal. 

Keen cook Ann first came along to FoodCycle looking for something to do to help boost her mood in winter months, after retiring from her career as a primary school teacher.  

Ann says: “I’m passionate about minimising food waste, and FoodCycle does that so well, with the way they gather the surplus food from supermarkets and other outlets. 

“And then there’s the personal aspect of the companionship for me… 

“I look forward to my volunteering sessions and I see the guests looking forward to coming along to bond with their friends and have some good food as well.” 

“You genuinely feel like you’re making a difference” 

To all the incredible women who power FoodCycle – thank you for your dedication, kindness, and action. You inspire us every day! 

Want to join them? Sign up to volunteer here 

Related News

First Ever FoodCycle London Marathon Runners

Meet the First Ever FoodCycle London Marathon Runners! 🍊👟

For the very first time, FoodCycle has charity places in the iconic TCS London Marathon – and we’re over the moon to introduce the two brilliant runners taking on the...
View Article >
Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner visiting a FoodCycle community meal in Cambridge, engaging with volunteers and guests.

Time to Get Things Cooking: Why the UK Food Strategy is Important and How FoodCycle Community Meals Can Help

“The ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy is a welcome start  - but like any good recipe, it needs testing, tasting, and tweaking.” FoodCycle CEO Sophie Tebbetts    A National Recipe for...
View Article >
FoodCycle volunteer Ashliegh

Thinking of fundraising for FoodCycle? Here’s how one volunteer raised £3,000 — plus some tips to help you!

Meet Ashliegh, a dedicated volunteer who raised an amazing £3,000 for FoodCycle.  From hosting a bring-and-share lunch in her workplace, to a quiz night and an afternoon tea, Ashliegh got...
View Article >

Stay connected

Subscribe to get the latest news, volunteering opportunities, events and updates sent to your inbox each month. You can unsubscribe at any time.

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Untitled

See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your information.

Follow us on Instagram

Say hello to Meiling & Linda, the two amazing runners representing FoodCycle in the 2026 London Marathon!

🧡 Meiling is a seasoned marathon runner and Milton Keynes volunteer
💚 Linda is taking on her very first 26.2 miles after supporting us through her workplace

Both are passionate about raising funds to fight food waste, food poverty and loneliness, and we’re so excited to have them on Team FoodCycle!

Over the next year, we’ll be cheering them on and sharing updates as they train, fundraise and take on this iconic challenge.

💬 Drop them a good luck message below
📣 Follow for updates
🫛 Feeling inspired? Take on your own challenge for FoodCycle!

#LondonMarathon2026 #TeamFoodCycle #MarathonTraining #CharityChallenge

8 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17912425917053678
Say hello to Meiling & Linda, the two amazing runners representing FoodCycle in the 2026 London Marathon!

🧡 Meiling is a seasoned marathon runner and Milton Keynes volunteer
💚 Linda is taking on her very first 26.2 miles after supporting us through her workplace

Both are passionate about raising funds to fight food waste, food poverty and loneliness, and we’re so excited to have them on Team FoodCycle!

Over the next year, we’ll be cheering them on and sharing updates as they train, fundraise and take on this iconic challenge.

💬 Drop them a good luck message below
📣 Follow for updates
🫛 Feeling inspired? Take on your own challenge for FoodCycle! 

#LondonMarathon2026 #TeamFoodCycle #MarathonTraining #CharityChallenge

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

42 0
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

7 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18065750593951299
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

27 1
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

7 0
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

32 0
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

36 0
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

17 0
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

50 0
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

52 1
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
Follow on Instagram
Find your local Community meal

FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]
  • Who We Are
  • Community Meals
  • Find a Meal
  • Fundraise
  • Vacancies
  • News
  • Contact Us

Follow us

Instagram Facebook Linkedin Tiktok
Sign Up To Volunteer
Volunteer Roles
Donate

© FoodCycle 2025

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

Shop Terms

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Website by me&you

Volunteer
Donate

FoodCycle Head Office

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

Links

  • Find a Meal
  • Community Meals
  • Who We Are
  • Fundraise

Follow us

Instagram Facebook Linkedin Tiktok

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

© FoodCycle 2022

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

Website by me&you