FoodCycle Clacton is back to providing free meals using food that would otherwise be wasted.
FoodCycle Clacton is reopening, offering free lunches to the local community every Monday at its new Pier Avenue Baptist Church venue.
Launching on Monday 2 December at 12 noon, the meal, produced by local volunteers, is looking forward to welcoming guests – old and new.
“We’re really excited to be back and delighted to once again be supporting the community, said Nicola Young, FoodCycle’s Regional Manager for the East of England.
“We hope that by offering free meals for those who are struggling to make ends meet, are hungry, lonely or just want to meet new people, that they’ll come along and enjoy some hot and nourishing healthy food in good company.”
Guests are given a real taste of seasonal dishes by the projects creative cooking team, which use surplus fruit, veg, bread and dried ingredients, donated by local supermarkets, grocers and food markets to feed their guests.
What FoodCycle Clacton volunteers say
Young mum Ashley Scott was one of FoodCycle’s first volunteers when it opened last year.
“I joined up at first because I was bored while my son was at nursery.
“I didn’t know anything about FoodCycle beforehand. Now it’s my life. I absolutely love it. I’ve made friends for life working at FoodCycle, with guests and staff. And knowing I’ve made a difference to someone’s life and put a meal in their tummy makes me very proud.”
Since her role as a volunteer, Ashley has worked her way up to becoming a Hosting Leader and will once again be rejoining the project when it launches on December 2.
“I’m over the moon FoodCycle is back and hopefully now we can make it bigger and better than before,” said a delighted Ashley.
Volunteer at Clacton
“We’re always looking for local people to get involved,” said Nicola. “If you fancy joining us to collect the food, cook the meals or serve our guests, I encourage you to sign up. It’s a great chance to meet new people and get to know local people.
“Everyone is welcome for a meal at the project and the guests and volunteers are encouraged to eat together to help strengthen their community. We hope you’ll join us.”
