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  • About us
    • Who We Are
    • FoodCycle’s Impact
    • What is a FoodCycle Community Meal?
    • Schools Community Meals
    • Supporters and Partners
    • Meet Our Guests and Volunteers
    • Staff and Trustee Team
    • Patrons and Ambassadors
    • Reports and publications
  • Find a Meal
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Roles
    • Equal opportunities
  • Support Us
    • Corporate Support
    • Corporate Team Cooking Challenge
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101

Community meals this week

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Paul – Volunteer

Volunteer Paul found FoodCycle after his mother died. Having lived a semi-reclusive existence for much of his life, 52-year-old Paul, who has a lifelong learning disability, wanted to find something that would help him integrate with his community and help his social skills.

How did you discover FoodCycle?
I’m 52 and I’ve never had a proper job since I left school at 16. My mum died in March 2020 but before that we lived quite a reclusive life. It was just me and mum, and we did everything together. When she passed away, my extended family stepped in to help and support me to live independently. With my primary support and ‘cousin-in-law’ Allison, we met with my Disability Employment Advisor at the DWP who suggested we visit the Chelmsford Volunteering Centre. We went and had a chat with Sally about the different volunteering jobs, which is where we saw the advert for FoodCycle volunteers. I was really interested to find out more as I like food and my family were helping me learn how to cook including taking me shopping to buy ingredients.

Tell us about your first day at FoodCycle?
The team asked me to come in the afternoon before the meal and I had a lovely talk with Mike on the cooking team and met Sam, the Regional Manager and they told me what I needed to do as a volunteer in the kitchen. Then I joined my first meal, along with my cousin Mark who came to meet everyone, and the food was lovely. Since my first visit, everyone on the FoodCycle team has been really lovely. I go on my own and my family know that I’m going to be cared for and that people are going to be kind.

Tell us about your favourite FoodCycle meals?
The food is lovely. They don’t use meat, just things like rice or pasta with vegetables and the way they turn it into fantastic meals is just brilliant. My favourite pudding is apple crumble, there’s a lady on the cooking team at Chelmsford called Carol and she makes the best one. I’ve tried loads of things I haven’t tried before like stuffed aubergine, carrot soup and even spicy foods, which burn my mouth a bit. Because FoodCycle is about healthy eating, I’ve also been able to learn about balancing meals and making sure I eat healthy foods, but puddings are still my favourite.

Tell us about your volunteering role at FoodCycle?
I’m booked into the three-hour cooking shift every week, my cousin sorts this out on the computer for me, before the meal where I help weigh the surplus food and work with the other cooking team members to decide what we’re making that week. I like to peel the vegetables and wash up best and like a good natter with the team while we are working. I also eat with the guests and often stay behind to help with the washing up and putting the tables away.

Tell us what you’ve learned volunteering with FoodCycle?
Mike has taught me to hold a knife differently when you cut vegetables, how to make food taste better and how to make it look good on the plate. Because my mind works in a visual way, I find it hard to follow a recipe but in the FoodCycle kitchens everything is very visual, the menus are discussed and demonstrated, and everyone helps each other.

I’m working with various agencies to try to get me part time work including ECL who support people with disabilities to find jobs. Because of FoodCycle, I’ve found I enjoy cooking and being in the kitchen environment and its something I’d love to do as proper paid work. Being at FoodCycle every week helps to show that I am interested in catering, that I am reliable, can work with other people and that I am committed, so it’s really changed things for me.

How is it working at FoodCycle with a disability?
They have been super helpful and patient at showing me how to do things. I am partially deaf, so I have hearing aids but I’m a bit nervous to wear them as I almost hear too much. After speaking to the team, we decided I don’t have to wear them there as they understand and talk slowly to me. Everyone just makes it so easy for me.

What would you say to other people with disabilities about volunteering at FoodCycle?
Just try it out and see if you like it and if you do, stick with it. Everyone at FoodCycle is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. You’ll find nice people to talk to and have a laugh with.

Tell us any ways that working with FoodCycle has changed you?
I’ve learned not to push myself too quickly. When I started, I always cut my fingers cutting and peeling the vegetables. Everyone said, just take your time and take it easy, don’t force yourself to try to be at the same level as everyone else. Being in such a relaxed atmosphere means I could learn new skills without feeling pressured. My support workers and family say my confidence has increased, I’m more positive and I talk about cooking a lot. I’m very proud of being a FoodCycle volunteer. I walk 40-minutes each way every week to my shift, I’d do it in any weather.

When I used to cook at home, I’d want someone there but now I have enough confidence to do cooking on my own. Last week I made my own tuna pasta bake and I did it without worrying I’m going to burn the house down!

Related Guest and volunteer stories

Angela – Volunteer

Cooking volunteer Angela is a sustainability champion at her local FoodCycle meal in Falcon Lodge.
Meet Angela >

Younis – Guest

A self-proclaimed food critic, Younis is known for rating each meal out of 10.
Meet Younis >
Volunteers, Chandana and Dan, sat holding food at a FoodCycle volunteering session.

Chandana and Dan – Volunteers

Chandana and Dan met while volunteering at FoodCycle, where their love for cooking sparked a romance
Meet Chandana and Dan >
View more stories

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Follow us on Instagram

Not all heroes wear capes, some rock an apron and hairnet and whip up a mean pasta bake...

Join our volunteer team and help cook, serve or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s chopping veggies, plating up meals or washing up, it all makes a difference.

Join us for a Summer of Peas & Love. 🫛❤️

Do good, feel good, volunteer with us this summer.

Head to the link in the bio to register and have the best summer ever.

#SummerGoals #SummerVolunteers #Community #CommunityKitchen #FreeMeal #FoodCycle

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18121146427421273
Not all heroes wear capes, some rock an apron and hairnet and whip up a mean pasta bake...

Join our volunteer team and help cook, serve or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s chopping veggies, plating up meals or washing up, it all makes a difference.

Join us for a Summer of Peas & Love. 🫛❤️

Do good, feel good, volunteer with us this summer. 

Head to the link in the bio to register and have the best summer ever. 

#SummerGoals #SummerVolunteers #Community #CommunityKitchen #FreeMeal #FoodCycle

🎾 A huge shoutout to our friends at Danone for treating some of our amazing volunteers (and a few staff too!) to an unforgettable day at Wimbledon 💚

On 5th July, a group of lucky volunteers from all over the country were picked in a random draw and got to enjoy top tennis action plus a tasty lunch and afternoon tea.

We’re so grateful to Danone for recognising the time, care and energy our volunteers give every week. You are the heart of FoodCycle and we love being able to say thank you in fun and meaningful ways like this.

Here’s to more memories, more meals and more community 💫

#FoodCycle #ThankYouDanone #Wimbledon

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18103621048554461
🎾 A huge shoutout to our friends at Danone for treating some of our amazing volunteers (and a few staff too!) to an unforgettable day at Wimbledon 💚

On 5th July, a group of lucky volunteers from all over the country were picked in a random draw and got to enjoy top tennis action plus a tasty lunch and afternoon tea.

We’re so grateful to Danone for recognising the time, care and energy our volunteers give every week. You are the heart of FoodCycle and we love being able to say thank you in fun and meaningful ways like this.

Here’s to more memories, more meals and more community 💫

#FoodCycle #ThankYouDanone #Wimbledon

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Well done to the fantastic team at FoodCycle Weoley Castle for another warm and welcoming community meal 💚

This week, they served 22 guests, welcomed a brand new hosting volunteer, and dished up a delicious three-course menu featuring:
🥣 Roasted cauliflower and fennel soup
🍅 Ratatouille with mash and side salad
🍊 Orange drizzle cake

We also want to give a huge shout-out to Jacky, who hit an incredible milestone of 400 volunteer hours! Thank you for your dedication and the difference you continue to make every week 🎉

If you’re in the Weoley Castle area, head to St Gabriel’s at 4pm on Tuesdays for a free meal, good chat and a warm welcome.

Thinking about volunteering? Sign up here via the link in the bio.

#Volunteering #FoodCycle #WeoleyCastle #FreeMeal #WestMidlands #ThreeCourseMeal

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18104314987543694
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Well done to the fantastic team at FoodCycle Weoley Castle for another warm and welcoming community meal 💚

This week, they served 22 guests, welcomed a brand new hosting volunteer, and dished up a delicious three-course menu featuring:
🥣 Roasted cauliflower and fennel soup
🍅 Ratatouille with mash and side salad
🍊 Orange drizzle cake

We also want to give a huge shout-out to Jacky, who hit an incredible milestone of 400 volunteer hours! Thank you for your dedication and the difference you continue to make every week 🎉

If you’re in the Weoley Castle area, head to St Gabriel’s at 4pm on Tuesdays for a free meal, good chat and a warm welcome.

Thinking about volunteering? Sign up here via the link in the bio. 

#Volunteering #FoodCycle #WeoleyCastle #FreeMeal #WestMidlands #ThreeCourseMeal

A huge thank you to Jane and her brilliant "Ladies that Picnic" for coming together to support FoodCycle during The Big Lunch 💚

Jane hosted a wonderful afternoon filled with community spirit, delicious vegetarian dishes, a quiz, a raffle and even original artwork for sale, all to raise vital funds for our work.

We’re so grateful to Jane and everyone who came along. Your generosity and creativity help us bring people together over food, one meal at a time.

#TheBigLunch #FoodCycle #CommunitySupport #Wardley #Swinton

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18351310624087623
A huge thank you to Jane and her brilliant "Ladies that Picnic" for coming together to support FoodCycle during The Big Lunch 💚

Jane hosted a wonderful afternoon filled with community spirit, delicious vegetarian dishes, a quiz, a raffle and even original artwork for sale, all to raise vital funds for our work.

We’re so grateful to Jane and everyone who came along. Your generosity and creativity help us bring people together over food, one meal at a time.

#TheBigLunch #FoodCycle #CommunitySupport #Wardley #Swinton

Run for change in 2026

We’ve got two charity places for the iconic London Marathon and they could be yours 👟

Take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping FoodCycle fight food poverty, tackle loneliness and stop good food from going to waste 💚

Think you’ve got what it takes? Tell us why you’d love to run for us by Sunday 6 July.

📝 Apply now via the link in the bio
📌 £100 reg fee
🎯 £2,500 fundraising target

Let’s do something amazing together.

#FoodCycle #LondonMarathon #CharityPlace #RunForCharity

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17857416597451630
Run for change in 2026

We’ve got two charity places for the iconic London Marathon and they could be yours 👟

Take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping FoodCycle fight food poverty, tackle loneliness and stop good food from going to waste 💚

Think you’ve got what it takes? Tell us why you’d love to run for us by Sunday 6 July.

📝 Apply now via the link in the bio
📌 £100 reg fee
🎯 £2,500 fundraising target

Let’s do something amazing together.

#FoodCycle #LondonMarathon #CharityPlace #RunForCharity

50 guests, a buzzing dining room and a whole lot of love in Clacton this week!

The sun was shining, the queue was full of chatter, and the energy inside was just as warm 💚

A huge shout out to newly graduated Project Leader Yvonne, who served up her first official meal made entirely from fresh surplus ingredients and nailed it! 👏

Every guest left with a grocery bag to take home, and Collection PL Chris worked his usual magic, making sure nothing went to waste. Even his chickens were happy with the scraps 🐓

Great food, great people, great Monday. Clacton, you rock!

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18331943779165808
50 guests, a buzzing dining room and a whole lot of love in Clacton this week! 

The sun was shining, the queue was full of chatter, and the energy inside was just as warm 💚

A huge shout out to newly graduated Project Leader Yvonne, who served up her first official meal made entirely from fresh surplus ingredients and nailed it! 👏

Every guest left with a grocery bag to take home, and Collection PL Chris worked his usual magic, making sure nothing went to waste. Even his chickens were happy with the scraps 🐓

Great food, great people, great Monday. Clacton, you rock!

Looking for a feel-good gift that actually makes a difference?

Say hello to the FoodCycle merch range 💚

💚 Tote bags that carry kindness
💚 Tees and aprons that spread good vibes
💚 The perfect pressie for your foodie friend, your hosting hero or just yourself (you deserve it)

Every purchase supports our mission to feed communities, fight food waste and tackle loneliness.

Tap the link in bio to shop and gift with purpose.

#FoodCycle #ToteBag #Apron #GiftIddeas #CharityGift

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18062368280470329
Looking for a feel-good gift that actually makes a difference?

Say hello to the FoodCycle merch range 💚

💚 Tote bags that carry kindness
💚 Tees and aprons that spread good vibes
💚 The perfect pressie for your foodie friend, your hosting hero or just yourself (you deserve it)

Every purchase supports our mission to feed communities, fight food waste and tackle loneliness.

Tap the link in bio to shop and gift with purpose.

#FoodCycle #ToteBag #Apron #GiftIddeas #CharityGift

No fresh food? No problem!

To the store cupboard 😁

You need to watch this and see the incredible meal our volunteers produced with store cupboard ingredients and some epic teamwork :-)

Thanks to the Mitcham team for sharing.

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17916620373031923
No fresh food? No problem! 

To the store cupboard 😁

You need to watch this and see the incredible meal our volunteers produced with store cupboard ingredients and some epic teamwork :-) 

Thanks to the Mitcham team for sharing.

☀️ Sandwiches.
👥 Great company.
🌍 A meaningful cause.

It`s National Picnic Week, and what a brilliant moment to make your Big Lunch a picnic.

Lunch outdoors can bring your friends, family, or work team together, boost morale, and raise vital funds to help FoodCycle tackle food waste, hunger, and loneliness.

Keep it simple. Make it count.

Start planning via the link in the bio.

#NationalPicnicWeek

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17863421700422008
☀️ Sandwiches.
👥 Great company.
🌍 A meaningful cause.

It's National Picnic Week, and what a brilliant moment to make your Big Lunch a picnic.

Lunch outdoors can bring your friends, family, or work team together, boost morale, and raise vital funds to help FoodCycle tackle food waste, hunger, and loneliness.

Keep it simple. Make it count.

Start planning via the link in the bio. 

#NationalPicnicWeek

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re proud to be part of something that brings people together 💚

At FoodCycle, no one eats alone. Our community meals offer food, conversation and connection because we know a friendly face and a warm plate can go a long way.

🌱 83% of guests feel happier after a meal
🤝 78% feel less lonely
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A shared meal can mean so much more than just food.
It can be friendship.
Support.
A reason to smile.

Let`s tackle loneliness and food waste together.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Community #BetterTogether

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18067938281066591
This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re proud to be part of something that brings people together 💚

At FoodCycle, no one eats alone. Our community meals offer food, conversation and connection because we know a friendly face and a warm plate can go a long way.

🌱 83% of guests feel happier after a meal
🤝 78% feel less lonely
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A shared meal can mean so much more than just food.
It can be friendship.
Support.
A reason to smile.

Let's tackle loneliness and food waste together. 

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Community #BetterTogether
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FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]

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  • Find a Meal
  • Community Meals
  • Who We Are
  • Fundraise

Follow us

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Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

© FoodCycle 2022

Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349

Website by me&you