Ian – Volunteer

Meet Ian, a grandad-of-seven who’s become known as ‘grandad’ to everyone at his local FoodCycle community meals!

Ian first came to eat with FoodCycle as a guest after separating from his wife and finding himself living alone, and feeling depressed.

At first he was nervous about eating with others, but soon became a regular – and after three years decided to become a volunteer. Now Ian regularly helps lead the hosting team at FoodCycle Sheffield Primrose Hill and FoodCycle Sheffield Broomhall, using his skills as a former pub landlord to chat with guests.

What motivated you to get involved with FoodCycle?

About three years ago, me and my wife separated, and I wasn’t feeding myself properly, and I was told about the FoodCycle meal, and I kept going for three years.

Then when the meal moved to the new venue at Primrose Hill last year, I thought, right, I need to do so something to put something back into it. I wanted to help, because of what they’ve given to me over the years, and that’s why I became a volunteer.

What were your impressions of eating at a FoodCycle community meal?

I was a bit nervous at first, because there lots of people I didn’t know, and I’m not a confident eater in front of strangers, but I got used to it, and now I’ll eat anywhere!

It’s vegetarian menu, and I was a bit wary of it at first, but after a couple of seatings I got used to it. I have some of the vegetables they use at home, but I wouldn’t have thought of putting them together into a meal.

Has eating at FoodCycle community meals made a difference to your life?

I’m a diabetic, and it does help me with my diabetes. The doctors have told me to eat differently to what I used to eat before I became a diabetic. I’ve noticed when I have a meal at FoodCycle, my sugar readings come down a bit. I have actually tried cooking some of the meals at home, and well, I’m not converted to being a vegetarian, but I don’t mind a vegetarian meal – and I’m eating more vegetables!

Has connecting with other people at FoodCycle community meals made a difference to your life?

When me and my wife separated, I fell into depression.

Talking to other people at the meals, I realised a lot of people have come through depression, and it was easier for me to talk to people because I knew they’d come through some of the same problems.

I was in a situation where I wanted to end it, but coming to the meals got me through it, because I was chatting to the other guests and chatting to the volunteers.

It’s helped me tremendously to carry on. If I hadn’t come to the meals, I know it sounds ominous, but I don’t think I’d have been here now.

What were your first impressions volunteering with FoodCycle?

It was eye opening, because as a guest you don’t see what the volunteers do to provide the meals and the service for the guests. When I first started I thought: ‘it’s not as easy as it looks’, but now I can do it blindfolded!

What do you do in your role as a FoodCycle host?

Every week go down to collect the food that’s been delivered by another volunteer. I take it into the kitchen, and then I stay and get the tables all set up, put the tablecloths and cutlery out, I set up the drinks service area, and then I’m ready to meet the guests when they get there.

When we’re ready to serve, I take the food to the guests, serve them drinks, make sure everything’s tidy in the dining room, and clear away the plates and bowls when they’ve finished each course, and then pack up at the end of it, and then I go home.

Being an ex- pub landlord, I’m used to chatting with people and I enjoy it. I speak to people how I would like people to speak to me. I’ve spent that much time chatting to the guests that now they all call me Grandad!

Do you feel you’re making a difference in your community through FoodCycle?

Yes. If people didn’t have the meal to come to, a lot of guests wouldn’t have other people to chat to.

A lot of the guests go up to the cooking volunteers to compliment them on the food too. We have one lady who comes and says if it wasn’t for FoodCycle she wouldn’t eat.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer with FoodCycle each week?

It gets me out of the house for a few hours, and that’s why I help at both the Sheffield meals, because if I wasn’t doing this I would be sat at home. It gets me out.

It gives me enjoyment that I’m meeting other people.

Has volunteering with FoodCycle made a difference to your life?

Yes. I wanted to help others, and this means I’m putting my time and effort into providing a service for the guests.

Without this, I’d be sat at home, I’d either be watching the telly or I’d be asleep. I’d have no social life. It gives me something to look forwards to.

What would you say to anyone thinking of coming along to a FoodCycle meal?

Go for it! No question of doubt. Go for it, and if you like it, you can join in and you might even end up like I did, volunteering.

We could do with a few more volunteers to help out. We have a lot of students who come but they can only come at certain times of the year, so we’re also looking for local people of all ages to come and get involved.