Melissa – Guest

Melissa has been coming to FoodCycle High Wycombe since discovering our weekly community meals through a friend.  Ever since she found the service, Melissa has been a regular. She says that without the support of FoodCycle, she would really be struggling to afford her weekly shop. 

What brought you to FoodCycle?  

I went on benefits about three years ago and was recently feeling the pressure of the rising costs of food. I have a really good friend and I’d spoken to her about this and she introduced me to FoodCycle.  

What were your first impressions of a FoodCycle meal? 

I was overcome by how friendly the volunteers were and how warm and welcoming it was. I’m so grateful for the work they do and for the volunteers who give their time and energy to make sure that people like me have something to eat. 

I also object to food waste so the fact that you are recycling short-dated food is fantastic. I feel terrible about throwing any food away. I’ve, of course, been caught a few times with an onion going off and bread going mouldy but it’s so nice to know that this food that supermarkets would throw out is being saved and turned into lovely meals. 

What are your favourite FoodCycle meals?

My favourite meals are anything with rice! I’ve also really enjoyed the veggie burgers and your soups are delicious. Your soups with croutons. I can’t tell you how lovely they are.  

You beat my mum on several meals you have served. What I call “mummy moo standard”. My mum just loved cooking and her whole life was revolving around cooking. Some of the grub and the soups are up to my mum’s standards! I find any meal that you serve up to be delicious.  

How is the current cost of living crisis affecting you and does FoodCycle help?  

FoodCycle have helped me tremendously. I went on benefits three years ago and ever since the cost-of-living crisis started, food has become really expensive, and it keeps going up. If it wasn’t for FoodCycle, I would really be struggling. FoodCycle has been a lifeline for me. 

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

It’s very welcoming, it’s very warm, everybody’s friendly, there’s a lot of lonely people out there and FoodCycle is there to help. All I can say is I highly recommend anybody turning up there.  

You’re a fantastic service. All I’ve got is nothing but praise for you. You’re such a welcoming bunch and you’re absolutely fantastic!