With the most recent lockdown announcement, we wanted to reassure you that FoodCycle Projects can, and will, continue to operate.
FoodCycle is a vital service providing food and conversation to thousands of people every week across the country. As with other takeaway services and with our additional COVID-19 policies and procedures already in place, under the new rules, we can continue to provide much needed food to our communities.
Our number one priority will always be the safety and welfare of our guests and volunteers, and we will continue to work with our teams, volunteers and venues to maintain our high standards and keep everyone as safe as possible.
We know this is an unsettling time for many and we hope that the below information will help answer any questions you might have. If there is something we have missed, or you have any other questions please email us on hello@foodcycle.org.uk
VOLUNTEERS
Can I still volunteer?
Our volunteers are needed more than ever, and you will be pleased to know that you can continue to volunteer throughout lockdown.
Volunteers are classified as ‘critical workers’as they are delivering front line services during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a volunteer you also have the legal right to leave your home to engage in voluntary activities – this is listed as one of the ‘reasonable excuses’ to justify your movements.
All volunteers can download the critical worker letter from the Volunteer Portal, should you need to justify your movements.
All our safety measures and procedures are still in place – find out more here
Whilst volunteering please remember to keep socially distanced, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering.
DO NOT volunteer if you or someone in your household has symptoms or you have been told to self-isolate or shield.
If you cannot volunteer during this lockdown, we do have remote volunteering options with our check-in and chat calls that can be safely carried out at home.
Can the venues remain open?
Community centres and places of worship can remain open to provide essential voluntary or public services (including the provision of food banks or other support to the homeless or vulnerable). This is remains the case, even if they must close for all other activities. We are working closely with our venue partners to remain open and will update our location pages if anything changes.
GUESTS
Can I still collect food?
You can continue to collect food for you and your household, or someone else can come and collect for you.
Under new lockdown restrictions, you can still legally collect food from our Projects. All safety measures will stay in place, and you are reminded to maintain social distancing, wear a face covering, and use the hand sanitiser provided.
DO NOT visit a Project if you or someone in your household has symptoms or you have been told to self-isolate or shield.
If you are unable to collect food from one our projects, you can ask someone such as a friend, neighbour or family member to collect on your behalf. Anyone doing this for you will be able to legally leave their home under the ‘’reasonable excuse’’ category.
If you fall under the category of critically vulnerable or have been told to shield you can access extra provision through NHS Responders.
Need someone to talk to?
Our Check–in and Chat service is open for anyone who would like a weekly call from one of our volunteers. You can register for the service here.
If you are a community organisation, mutual aid group, charity or Local Authority supporting people who are currently shielding or critically vulnerable and would like to help us deliver to those in need please email projects@foodcycle.org.uk
For more information on the Government’s guidance please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
