Sylvia – Guest

It takes Sylvia one hour and a half to get to her closest FoodCycle Project in Woolwich. She takes three buses and uses her pensioners freedom travel pass. She encourages all her friends to come to as she thinks important to get out the house and socialise. She shares her experience of FoodCycle and why she enjoys the meals.

Why do you come to FoodCycle meals?

One of the reasons I come to FoodCycle is because it gives me a reason to leave home. During COVID we were not able to leave home, so it wasn’t great for me and my friends mental health, but since then, this place has opened and not only can I come and meet new friends, but I bring my other friends here and introduce them all to each other. Most of all I love coming because we get nutritious food, I don’t have to cook and the service is exceptional.

What were your first impressions of a FoodCycle meal?

I knew very little about FoodCycle before, I didn’t realise you can make something so tasty out of food that might be going to the bin.

What’s your favourite meal you have had at FoodCycle?

Always the pasta! The soup as well. My other favourite is the pudding, especially when there is custard.

How has the cost-of-living crisis affected you and does FoodCycle help?

At the moment, when you go to the supermarket, every time you go the prices have gone up. Even basic stuff like milk, butter and salt. Apart from food, my electricity and utility bills have also gone up. I’m on a very basic pension, either I decide to have the heating on, my light on or buy food. I have to balance which one is most important. Coming here, it helps me save money on food, especially on Fridays, it means I don’t have to worry as much. Sometimes they have fresh produce and vegetables to take home, which is really helpful.

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

Please don’t worry. You can sit right next to me if it makes you more comfortable. This place is very airy, bright, clean and the volunteers are very friendly!