Bev – Volunteer
Meet Bev, a FoodCycle volunteer who loves nothing more than sharing meals and chatting with people!
Sean has been a guest at FoodCycle Walthamstow since June 2023. Born and raised in East London, he quickly bonded with some other guests who grew up in the same Hackney estate as him. He now has a table of dinner mates that he meets each week including a fellow weight trainer!
What brought you to FoodCycle?
I heard through another service I visit in Leyton as people talk and I thought I’d try it out because I’m retired so I thought it’s somewhere to go and pass a couple of hours. It’s mainly to meet people. I’m a bit isolated because I don’t go to work, especially after Covid.
What were your first impressions of FoodCycle?
People are friendly and the food’s nice. It was a bit nerve wracking the first couple of times, but the volunteers were very helpful, people were friendly, chatted and weren’t offish and it made me come back. They should have more things like this.
What has changed as a result of this project?
It does make you feel better when you talk to people because sometimes, I go several days without talking to anyone. I live on my own and can spend all day watching TV. It gets me out for a few hours. I’ve made friends and we sit at the same table. With the cost-of-living crisis, it helps to have a meal and saves putting on the electricity.
What do you think of the food?
I can’t fault it. I do like spicy food; having had mouth cancer I can’t always taste everything so it’s good when they serve up a nice curry with a bit of a kick to it. I also love the desserts. The best was lemon drizzle cake with custard. I also love a crumble. I don’t like tinned custard as its too sweet, but they make homemade custard.
What would you say to anyone thinking about coming along?
I’d advise them to do it. I’ve been going every week and I’ve made lots of friends. Some have similar backgrounds to me, and some are different ages, but we’ve all found stuff in common. I got chatting to some people and found out they grew up in the same area of Hackney on the same council estate. I’ve also met a younger guy who is also into weights – so we chat about our training. There’s no negatives about it. It’s a positive experience.
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Huge congratulations to Carly and her brother Liam, who took on a 2km open water swim at Rutland Water to raise funds for FoodCycle and smashed it! (We think there was a little bit of sibling rivalry at play)
We’re incredibly proud of Carly, who lives and breathes FoodCycle in every way. She’s been part of our team for 5 years and knows just how powerful our meals can be. For some, it’s the only cooked meal they’ll have that week, and the only chance to connect with others.
This swim, taken in memory of their dad, has raised over £1,200 to help tackle food waste, food poverty and loneliness.
👏 Well done Carly and Liam
👏 Thank you to everyone who has donated so far
💚 Every penny makes a difference
If you`re planning a fundraising event for FoodCycle, we`d love to hear about it!
#foodcycle #rutlandwater #Swimming #communitymeal #fightfoodwaste #sustainable #fundraising #justgiving
Leftover courgettes languishing in the fridge?
Try this no-waste courgette recipe for your next BBQ.
Get the full recipe in the bio.
#Courgette #CourgetteDip #DipRecipe
Serving food, saving waste, and spreading kindness 🫛❤️
This summer, we need more amazing people like Sue to help us cook, serve and connect with communities across the country.
Whether you`re a kitchen whizz or just keen to lend a hand, every session makes a difference.
Join us for a summer full of purpose, people and peas.
Sign up to volunteer today.
#summervolunteers #volunteering #fightfoodwaste
Make courgettes the star of the show 🌟
What would you dip in this?
Maybe some 🥕
or some sticks of 🥒
Tell us below!
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Ingredients
500g Greek yoghurt
1 courgette(s) (boiled and cooled)
1 garlic clove(s) (crushed)
1 bunch(es) of fresh dill (chopped)
0.5 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 handful(s) of olives
1 tsp olive oil
Method
Mix the yoghurt, courgette (finely chopped), garlic, dill, oregano and red wine vinegar together in a bowl.
Make a dip with the back of the spoon in the middle of the bowl and fill with olive oil.
Garnish with olives if you’ve got them to hand.
Serve with flatbreads/pitta bread.
#Tzatziki #courgette #courgetterecipe #partydip #diprecipe #homemadedip
Meet Nathan, a cooking volunteer at FoodCycle Hucknall and Broxtowe-Aspley in Nottinghamshire.
At 44, Nathan was looking to shake off the routine of work and do something more fulfilling with his time. He joined FoodCycle to give back, but found much more than he expected – growing in confidence, building new skills and rediscovering his passion for cooking.
Volunteering has even inspired a new career, as Nathan recently became a volunteer co-ordinator for his local council.
We love hearing how FoodCycle makes a difference not just for guests, but for our incredible volunteers too.
Join us and make a real difference in your community.
#Nottingham #community #communitymeal #freemeal #volunteering #Hucknall #BroxtoweAspley
Halfway there, Harry! 🏃♂️🔥
Huge shoutout to Harry Barham who recently completed his 5th half marathon in his epic challenge to run 10 half marathons in support of FoodCycle and FareShare North East – that’s 131 miles in total!
His most recent run was a scorcher, but Harry powered through with determination and a whole lot of heart.
He’s running to help tackle food waste, food poverty and support stronger communities and he’s already halfway to the finish line.
Let’s cheer him on and help him hit that fundraising goal 💚
Donate here at giveasyoulive.com and search "harry runs 25"
#HarryRuns25 #fundraising #halfmarathon #foodcycle #communitymeals
FoodCycle has given me a great sense of purpose.” 💚
Meet Rosie, a 73-year-old volunteer from Worcester who joined FoodCycle to give back in her retirement, and found so much more.
From building confidence in the kitchen to making new friends, Rosie says volunteering has become a meaningful and joyful part of her week.
“I really enjoy every session. I can’t always go weekly, but FoodCycle is so flexible – you just sign up when you can. I tell everyone I know about it!”
Thank you, Rosie, for being such a valued part of the FoodCycle family.
Head to the link in the bio to join us.
#summervolunteers #foodcycle #communitymeal #fightfoodwaste #volunteering #worcester
Friendships that go beyond the kitchen 💚
We absolutely loved seeing this update from our brilliant Clacton volunteers, who spent a sunny evening in Frinton enjoying a walking quiz, fish and chips, and plenty of laughs!
Sixteen of the team came together for a bit of friendly competition and fun, followed by a delicious beach hut supper and lots of chat about FoodCycle with curious passers-by.
Moments like these show just how strong the sense of community is among our volunteers. It’s more than just cooking and serving meals, it’s about connection, friendship and supporting one another.
Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special. We’re lucky to have such a wonderful Clacton crew!
#Foodcycle #Clacton #FoodWaste #Frinton #Community #MakingFriends
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
Registered charity No. 1134423 | Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349
Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349
