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101

Community meals this week

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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 

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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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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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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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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
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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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Cookie Policy

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© FoodCycle 2022

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

Website by me&you