We’re delighted to share some wonderful news! After receiving over 200 nominations, and with careful consideration from the Marsh Charitable Trust, we are thrilled to announce the 12 outstanding winners of the FoodCycle Regional Volunteer of the Year Award 2025.
This annual award celebrates the exceptional dedication, kindness, and commitment of FoodCycle volunteers who go above and beyond to support their local communities.
Each winner receives:
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A certificate
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£300
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A commemorative apron
All in recognition of their incredible contribution.
A huge thank you to everyone who nominated and took part in this year’s awards.
Meet the 2025 Regional Volunteer of the Year Award Winners
East London – Ronnie W, FoodCycle Bow Road
“Ronnie is a local legend, he knows how to make people feel part of the project. He’s thoughtful, kind and works hard to make people feel included.”
East Midlands – Sue G, FoodCycle Sutton-in-Ashfield
“Sue has FoodCycle written through her like a stick of rock, she is one of the kindest helpful people I know she always goes above and beyond what is required.”
East of England – Lindi H, FoodCycle Cambridge
“Lindi goes above and beyond to ensure the the food collection runs smoothly, collaborates with other charities to barter/exchange for things more valuable to FoodCycle. She’s someone we can always depend on.”
North & West London – Frank L, FoodCycle Kilburn
“Frank essentially functions as the ‘manager’ of the project leaders at the largest FoodCycle (Kilburn) and makes sure it runs as smoothly as it does. It makes us a better FoodCycle outlet and such an amazing experience for our guests.”
North East – Alex W, FoodCycle Byker and Walker
“Alex never misses a session and will always jump in last minute to help avoid cancellations and is known for her standout signature dishes – homemade pizzas, home-cooked onion bhajis and store cupboard creative cakes.”
North West – Jan B, FoodCycle Liverpool Dingle
“Jan goes above & beyond always: remembering guests birthdays, buying decorations for holidays, engaging w/ guests 1 to 1 even when cooking, taking hours to sort out our cupboard, using her time on the weekend to deep clean the kitchen. The list is endless!”
South East – Lesley C, FoodCycle Havant
“Lesley creates such a positive light hearted atmosphere, always a fun place to be. One of the reasons we have many regular volunteers is because of her approach and personality! She is a key team player, encouraging/developing others. She always finds solutions to challenges and supports volunteer welfare.”
South London – Stella S, FoodCycle Peckham
“Stella is the first Project Leader I worked with as a new volunteer and her kindness, warmth and welcoming personality had me hooked.”
South West – Heong W, FoodCycle Bristol
“Heong works tirelessly on his bike as a food collector, always delivering with a huge smile on his face, rain or shine! He is an unsung hero because he doesn’t get to share the food with the rest of us, doesn’t get to see guest faces when they eat the food, but he still loves what he does.”
Wales – Simon M, FoodCycle Cardiff Riverside
“Simon is kind, conscientious and hardworking. I really enjoy being on a shift with him as I know desserts will be taken care of that week and he never fails to deliver. He is a calming and reliable presence in the kitchen and the guests love his food! Including his parsnip crumble dessert.”
West Midlands – Lynne G, FoodCycle Longbridge
“Lynne always brings a warm and positive energy to sessions, always smiling and laughing, meaning she has built strong relationships with both volunteers and guests.”
Yorkshire & The Humber – Tilla B, FoodCycle Leeds Seacroft
“Tilla is a great support for the cooking volunteers, fixes abandoned gadgets, sharpens our knives and she is also really supportive of less confident volunteers and makes everyone feel welcome.”
Celebrating Community Impact
Congratulations to all our winners! Your passion, generosity, and commitment to FoodCycle make an incredible difference and help us bring community meals to thousands of people across the country.
Thank you to the Marsh Charitable Trust for partnering and supporting us with these awards, helping us to recognise and reward our incredible volunteers.
Inspired you to volunteer? Sign up now!
