Alan – Guest

Alan first came to FoodCycle after he fell on hard times. Having given up his job to care for his Mother, who died during Covid, Alan found himself without income and in need of some support. FoodCycle offered him a safe haven where he could enjoy a good meal and company with no fear of being judged.

What brought you to FoodCycle?  

I was caring for my mother I lost her in covid, the system failed her. I’d given up my work my career to look after her and then I had no income. I’d always been a contractor and there was no work when covid was going on so I had ten months of no income before my state pension kicked in, fortunately I was at the end of my working life, and I’d learnt lots of survival skills. 

Foodcycle was one way of coping and surviving.  

Somebody gave me a leaflet and I just went in, and it was a nice meal and some extra food.  

What were your first impressions of a FoodCycle meal? 

The staff were friendly and welcoming didn’t ask any questions at all or about my background, they just accept anybody who comes through the door. I think that’s so critical, one thing I’ve learned about community is that it only works when everybody is accepted. 

What are your favourite FoodCycle meals? 

 Oh crumbs! I love the soups, I’m a soup person. Some of those soups you’d pay a lot of money for in a restaurant. 

How has FoodCycle helped you over the past three years?  

It’s given me somewhere to go to, there’s all sorts of characters. Generally, they are interesting people, generally nice people. A lot of people have quite a few personal issues but they’re always interesting people.  

There’s been another guest who I’ve been chatting to, on Thursday he gave me a Christmas card, I couldn’t believe it. I thought that’s significant, he must have felt I’ve made an impression on him. 

What would you say to someone visiting a FoodCycle meal for the first time? 

I’d say just go in and enjoy the meal, sit there and enjoy the meal you don’t even have to talk to anybody right away, you won’t be asked any questions about your background and nobody’s going to judge you, that’s the critical thing.