Skip to content

Volunteer Login

Volunteer
Donate
  • 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
    • Vacancies
  • Find a Meal
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Roles
    • Equal opportunities
  • Support Us
    • Corporate Support
    • Corporate Team Cooking Challenge
    • Fundraise
    • The Big Lunch
    • FoodCycle Lottery
    • Trusts and Major Gifts
    • Donate Food
    • Donate
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • 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
    • Vacancies
  • Find a Meal
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Roles
    • Equal opportunities
  • Support Us
    • Corporate Support
    • Corporate Team Cooking Challenge
    • Fundraise
    • The Big Lunch
    • FoodCycle Lottery
    • Trusts and Major Gifts
    • Donate Food
    • Donate
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Contact Us

100

Community meals this week

Find your local community meal location

Find a meal

TASTE NOT WASTE: MEET OUR DRIVING FOOD COLLECTION HEROES

  • March 14, 2022

If it wasn’t for our food collection heroes, none of our tasty, community meals could happen. They hit the streets, hop on bikes or jump in cars each week to rescue lots of food that would otherwise go to waste. The food often can’t be sold because it is past it’s best before or sell by date, but is still perfectly safe to eat – and delicious! This week Project Leader Gordon, shows us what it’s like on a collection and tells us why he loves volunteering in wonderful Cambridge.

How long have you been volunteering with FoodCycle?

I’ve been involved now for around 18 months and a project leader for one year.  When I took early retirement I wanted to keep active in areas that I had always been interested/passionate about, but full time employment always got in the way!

Gordon’s photo of new volunteer Montserrat at weigh-in

Why did you want to get involved?

Tackling food waste was the principal reason as it links to my other voluntary work interests of conservation and sustainability, but I also care greatly about food poverty.

The total collection of around 130 kg
Pick up teams (Christina and Rob) join up at Wesley ready for the cook

What did you enjoy the most?

One of the main things I enjoy is working with a great team of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds as I was concerned with missing that social interaction and camaraderie which I enjoyed all through my working career. And of course having the project leadership responsibility and a great bunch of people to work with you can make a real difference to our guests lives which is also extremely satisfying.

Ben at Radmore Farm Shop
The M&S staff helping with the collection
Dave at Booker helping with the collection

Inspired by Gordon and fancy being a food collection hero in your area? Sign up here!

Related News

Max La Manna launches limited edition paint with YesColours, in support of FoodCycle

To coincide with Stop Food Waste Day, Max has teamed up with YesColours to launch the limited edition paint colour, Regenerative Yellow, which will see 5% from every sale donated...
View Article >

wagamama partners with FoodCycle

We’re delighted to announce that wagamama have chosen FoodCycle as their new charity partner.   wagamama has long believed in positive eating for positive living, serving nourishing bowls prepared and cooked...
View Article >

How we can influence healthier dietary habits: Key takeaways from our expert panel event

Last week, FoodCycle hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion: how we can influence healthier dietary habits.  Chaired by FoodCycle trustee, Frances Le Grys, the conversation brought together experts from across the...
View Article >

Stay connected

Subscribe to get the latest news, volunteering opportunities, events and updates sent to your inbox each month. You can unsubscribe at any time.

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Untitled

See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your information.

Follow us on Instagram

🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for...

53 0
Open
🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for their very first themed night! 🎉

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the amazing effort of the Hartlepool volunteers who went above and beyond to make it extra special. Decorations, table snacks, and thoughtful touches helped create a brilliant atmosphere for their guests. 💛

A big thank you to their regular volunteer from Quorn for the fantastic donation of Quorn burgers, which were a real hit. 🍔

And a huge shout out to Morrisons Hartlepool for their incredible support. Their donations of cookies and dips made the meal even more memorable and will continue to help with future meals too. 🍪✨

It is wonderful to see the Hartlepool team showing the power of community spirit through food and friendship. 

Don't forget to tag us in all your posts, we love to see what our projects are creating for their communities.

#hartlepool #foodcycle #morrisons #quorn

Help us make a difference!

We would love it
...

8 2
Open
Help us make a difference!

We would love it if you could nominate FoodCycle for a Movement for Good Health and Wellbeing Award. It only takes a minute and could help us support even more communities with free, nutritious meals.

Nominations close on 4th May – nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1134423&ct=health#nominateACharity

Thank you for your support! 💚

@benefactgroup #Healthandwellbeing #foodcycle #community #socialgood #movementforgood

We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one...

70 1
Open
We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of 20 charities supported by Overbury’s 2025 Charity Quiz.

Held at Westminster Park Plaza in February, the event brought together 100 teams from across the construction industry, raising an incredible £500,000 for charity through an evening of quiz rounds, connection and generosity.

A huge thank you to Overbury and all the event sponsors for their fantastic support.

And a special shout out to Rebecca Bradshaw, Overbury staff member and dedicated FoodCycle volunteer, for nominating us – we’re so grateful.

@overburyplc

Less than 24 hours to double your impact.
...

7 0
Open
Less than 24 hours to double your impact.

There’s still time to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund and have your gift matched pound for pound.

We have just over £800 left to raise to unlock all of our match funding. Every donation will be matched while funds are available – meaning double the meals and double the impact for the people we support.

Many of our guests are struggling with the cost of living, with 75% finding it difficult to afford food or pay for their housing. Your support can make a real difference.

💚 76% of our guests report eating more fruit and vegetables
💚 83% feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
💚 78% feel less lonely

By donating today, you're helping us do more than just provide food. You are helping us build community, improve wellbeing, and save good food from going to waste.

Donate now and help us reach our target.
Head to the link in the bio! 

@biggiveorg #greenprojects #greenmatchfund #foodcycle #fightfoodwaste

🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match...

53 0
Open
🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match Fund is here! 💚🌍⁠
⁠
From today until 29th April, every donation to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be DOUBLED, helping us grow our environmental impact through community dining.⁠
⁠
By turning surplus food into hot, healthy meals, we’re:⁠
♻️ Tackling food waste⁠
🌱 Cutting carbon emissions⁠
🍽️ Feeding communities in need⁠
⁠
In 2024, we saved 320 tonnes of food from waste, stopping 200,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Imagine what we can do with YOUR help, doubled.⁠
⁠
Donate today and be part of something greener, kinder and more connected.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to give.⁠
⁠
#donate #causes #giveback #socialgood #environment #biggive #thebiggive #foodcycle

We`re thrilled to have been chosen as one of 12...

7 0
Open
We're thrilled to have been chosen as one of 12 charities to benefit from grant funding in 2025 from The Health Lottery.

This support will help us continue to improve the health and well-being of communities across the country by providing free, nutritious meals and welcoming spaces for connection and conversation.

A huge thank you to The Health Lottery for recognising the impact of our work and helping us reach even more people who need support.

We’re excited about what this funding will make possible, from expanding our reach to deepening the support we offer to our guests.

Read about all 12 charities at https://www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk/funding-information/200k-of-support-to-12-charities-to-improve-health-wellbeing/

#TheHealthLottery #FoodCycle #Charities #CharityGiving #CharitableFoundation #CommunityMeal #FreeMeals

"FoodCycle is a boost to my mental health.”
...

32 0
Open
"FoodCycle is a boost to my mental health.” 

Every week, FoodCycle guests find more than food at our meals. They find company, kindness and a sense of belonging.

💬 “I go days without talking to anyone. Coming here lifts me.”
💬 “It’s changed my outlook and given me a reason to leave the house.”
💬 “I feel nourished and mentally refreshed.”

Community isn’t just important – it’s essential.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s keep showing up for each other.

#MHAW #FoodCycle #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the...

29 1
Open
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is community 💚

At FoodCycle, we believe that sitting down to share a meal with others can do wonders for our wellbeing.

Here’s what our guests told us:
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 83% feel happier after attending
👋 78% feel less lonely
🌍 91% have met people from different backgrounds
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A warm meal, a friendly face, and a regular routine might sound simple, but they really do make a difference.

#MHAW #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FoodCycle #ThisIsMyCommunity @MHFAEngland

We’re thrilled to announce our new charity...

156 1
Open
We’re thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with @wagamama_uk

With a shared belief in the power of nourishing food and human connection, wagamama will be supporting FoodCycle through generous meal donations, chef collaborations at our community meals, skill-sharing sessions for volunteers, and so much more.

From cooking side by side with our teams to inviting our guests into their restaurants, this partnership is all about community, compassion and great food.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Read more on the partnership via the link in the bio

#wagamama #foodcycle #partnership #communitymeal

This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at...

18 0
Open
This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Eden Communities to celebrate food, friendship and FUN – and we want you in on it!

Whether it’s a garden picnic, a street party, or a tea and cake kind of vibe, The Big Lunch is your chance to bring people together and raise funds for FoodCycle while you’re at it 💚

👯‍♀️ Host with your housemates
🌞 Picnic in the park with pals
🏡 Invite the neighbours round
🍰 Or bring the party to your workplace

However you do it, you're helping us fight food waste, tackle loneliness and serve up more delicious community meals across the UK.

📦 Grab your free Big Lunch Pack and get planning – link in bio!

@edencommunities

#TheBigLunch #foodcycle #community #communitymeal

🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for...

53 0
Open
🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for their very first themed night! 🎉

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the amazing effort of the Hartlepool volunteers who went above and beyond to make it extra special. Decorations, table snacks, and thoughtful touches helped create a brilliant atmosphere for their guests. 💛

A big thank you to their regular volunteer from Quorn for the fantastic donation of Quorn burgers, which were a real hit. 🍔

And a huge shout out to Morrisons Hartlepool for their incredible support. Their donations of cookies and dips made the meal even more memorable and will continue to help with future meals too. 🍪✨

It is wonderful to see the Hartlepool team showing the power of community spirit through food and friendship. 

Don't forget to tag us in all your posts, we love to see what our projects are creating for their communities.

#hartlepool #foodcycle #morrisons #quorn

Help us make a difference!

We would love it
...

8 2
Open
Help us make a difference!

We would love it if you could nominate FoodCycle for a Movement for Good Health and Wellbeing Award. It only takes a minute and could help us support even more communities with free, nutritious meals.

Nominations close on 4th May – nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1134423&ct=health#nominateACharity

Thank you for your support! 💚

@benefactgroup #Healthandwellbeing #foodcycle #community #socialgood #movementforgood

We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one...

70 1
Open
We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of 20 charities supported by Overbury’s 2025 Charity Quiz.

Held at Westminster Park Plaza in February, the event brought together 100 teams from across the construction industry, raising an incredible £500,000 for charity through an evening of quiz rounds, connection and generosity.

A huge thank you to Overbury and all the event sponsors for their fantastic support.

And a special shout out to Rebecca Bradshaw, Overbury staff member and dedicated FoodCycle volunteer, for nominating us – we’re so grateful.

@overburyplc

Less than 24 hours to double your impact.
...

7 0
Open
Less than 24 hours to double your impact.

There’s still time to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund and have your gift matched pound for pound.

We have just over £800 left to raise to unlock all of our match funding. Every donation will be matched while funds are available – meaning double the meals and double the impact for the people we support.

Many of our guests are struggling with the cost of living, with 75% finding it difficult to afford food or pay for their housing. Your support can make a real difference.

💚 76% of our guests report eating more fruit and vegetables
💚 83% feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
💚 78% feel less lonely

By donating today, you're helping us do more than just provide food. You are helping us build community, improve wellbeing, and save good food from going to waste.

Donate now and help us reach our target.
Head to the link in the bio! 

@biggiveorg #greenprojects #greenmatchfund #foodcycle #fightfoodwaste

🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match...

53 0
Open
🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match Fund is here! 💚🌍⁠
⁠
From today until 29th April, every donation to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be DOUBLED, helping us grow our environmental impact through community dining.⁠
⁠
By turning surplus food into hot, healthy meals, we’re:⁠
♻️ Tackling food waste⁠
🌱 Cutting carbon emissions⁠
🍽️ Feeding communities in need⁠
⁠
In 2024, we saved 320 tonnes of food from waste, stopping 200,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Imagine what we can do with YOUR help, doubled.⁠
⁠
Donate today and be part of something greener, kinder and more connected.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to give.⁠
⁠
#donate #causes #giveback #socialgood #environment #biggive #thebiggive #foodcycle

We`re thrilled to have been chosen as one of 12...

7 0
Open
We're thrilled to have been chosen as one of 12 charities to benefit from grant funding in 2025 from The Health Lottery.

This support will help us continue to improve the health and well-being of communities across the country by providing free, nutritious meals and welcoming spaces for connection and conversation.

A huge thank you to The Health Lottery for recognising the impact of our work and helping us reach even more people who need support.

We’re excited about what this funding will make possible, from expanding our reach to deepening the support we offer to our guests.

Read about all 12 charities at https://www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk/funding-information/200k-of-support-to-12-charities-to-improve-health-wellbeing/

#TheHealthLottery #FoodCycle #Charities #CharityGiving #CharitableFoundation #CommunityMeal #FreeMeals

"FoodCycle is a boost to my mental health.”
...

32 0
Open
"FoodCycle is a boost to my mental health.” 

Every week, FoodCycle guests find more than food at our meals. They find company, kindness and a sense of belonging.

💬 “I go days without talking to anyone. Coming here lifts me.”
💬 “It’s changed my outlook and given me a reason to leave the house.”
💬 “I feel nourished and mentally refreshed.”

Community isn’t just important – it’s essential.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s keep showing up for each other.

#MHAW #FoodCycle #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the...

29 1
Open
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is community 💚

At FoodCycle, we believe that sitting down to share a meal with others can do wonders for our wellbeing.

Here’s what our guests told us:
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 83% feel happier after attending
👋 78% feel less lonely
🌍 91% have met people from different backgrounds
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A warm meal, a friendly face, and a regular routine might sound simple, but they really do make a difference.

#MHAW #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FoodCycle #ThisIsMyCommunity @MHFAEngland

We’re thrilled to announce our new charity...

156 1
Open
We’re thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with @wagamama_uk

With a shared belief in the power of nourishing food and human connection, wagamama will be supporting FoodCycle through generous meal donations, chef collaborations at our community meals, skill-sharing sessions for volunteers, and so much more.

From cooking side by side with our teams to inviting our guests into their restaurants, this partnership is all about community, compassion and great food.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Read more on the partnership via the link in the bio

#wagamama #foodcycle #partnership #communitymeal

This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at...

18 0
Open
This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Eden Communities to celebrate food, friendship and FUN – and we want you in on it!

Whether it’s a garden picnic, a street party, or a tea and cake kind of vibe, The Big Lunch is your chance to bring people together and raise funds for FoodCycle while you’re at it 💚

👯‍♀️ Host with your housemates
🌞 Picnic in the park with pals
🏡 Invite the neighbours round
🍰 Or bring the party to your workplace

However you do it, you're helping us fight food waste, tackle loneliness and serve up more delicious community meals across the UK.

📦 Grab your free Big Lunch Pack and get planning – link in bio!

@edencommunities

#TheBigLunch #foodcycle #community #communitymeal
Follow on Instagram
Find your local Community meal

FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: hello@foodcycle.org.uk
  • Who We Are
  • Community Meals
  • Find a Meal
  • Fundraise
  • Vacancies
  • News
  • Contact Us

Follow us

Instagram Facebook Linkedin Tiktok
Sign Up To Volunteer
Volunteer Roles
Donate

© FoodCycle 2025

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

Shop Terms

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Website by me&you

Volunteer
Donate

FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: hello@foodcycle.org.uk

Links

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

Follow us

Instagram Facebook Linkedin Tiktok

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

© FoodCycle 2022

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

Website by me&you

Notifications

Previous Slide

Next Slide

Lightbox image placeholder
Share

FacebookTwitterLinkedinPinterestEmail

Instagram
Hide photo (admin)

Add ID to the Hide Specific Photos setting: