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

Find your local community meal location

Find a meal

Volunteer Roles

Sign up to volunteer

Love to meet people?

Make our guests feel welcome and give them the best community dining experience.
Become a Hosting Volunteer

Love cooking?

Get creative, cooking healthy, nutritious
three-course meals in our kitchens.
Become a Cooking Volunteer

Love bringing smiles to children?

Play a vital role in ensuring children and families have access to nutritious meals.
Become a School Volunteer

Love fundraising?

Get creative and convince people to part with their cash to support our vital work!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer

Love to help out?

Collect and deliver supplies of surplus food for our cooks.
Become a Food Collection Volunteer

Love to meet people?

Make our guests feel welcome and give them the best community dining experience.
Become a Hosting Volunteer

Love cooking?

Get creative, cooking healthy, nutritious
three-course meals in our kitchens.
Become a Cooking Volunteer

Love bringing smiles to children?

Play a vital role in ensuring children and families have access to nutritious meals.
Become a School Volunteer

Love fundraising?

Get creative and convince people to part with their cash to support our vital work!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer

Love getting organised?

Help give our guests the best community dining experience by using your co-ordination and leadership skills.

Become a Project Leader

FAQs

  • We recruit our volunteers carefully to make sure our volunteer teams represent the communities we’re part of, and include a wide range of skills.

    We want you to have every opportunity to shine and show us your talents, so please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the volunteer registration process or volunteer leader application process works for you.

    1. Volunteers

    Your first step is to register for a volunteer account. You’ll need to:

    •   Give us some basic information; your name, age, contact details.
    •   Confirm you are able to work with young people and adults at risk.
    •   Read and agree to the FoodCycle Volunteer Agreement.
    •   Watch three short videos (1 minute each) on Food Safety, Health & Safety, & Safeguarding.
    •   Complete a simple quiz, with multiple choice questions based on the video content.

    We also ask for some extra information about you, which relates to equality and diversity. This information is important as it helps to ensure our volunteer teams contain a broad representation of people.

    You’ll be asked during the registration process if you consider yourself a person with a disability. If you tell us that you may need adjustments to volunteer, then we’ll get in touch to have a chat about how we can best support you.

    After this, you are ready to sign up for a volunteer slot at your local Project!

    1. Project Leader volunteers

    If you’re interested in volunteering as a Project Leader, you’ll need to complete a Project Leader application form on the FoodCycle website, which asks for some more detailed information. You’ll need to:

    •   Give us some basic information; your name, age, and contact details.
    •   Tell us about any relevant experience, training, and/or qualifications.
    •   Provide contact details for someone who can provide a reference.
    •   Tell us why you’re applying for the role and how long you are able to commit.
    •   Declare any criminal convictions or police cautions.

    After receiving your Project Leader application form, we’ll call you for a chat about the role and to explain the next steps.

    All incoming Project Leaders are required to complete the same induction/training:

    •   Food Safety Level 2 and Food Allergens (online modules).
    •   Shadowing session (led by an existing Project Leader).
    •   Enhanced DBS check.
    •   Read key policies and procedures.
    •   Safeguarding (2-hour remote training session).

    You will feel well prepared when you start your Project Leader role!

  • We recognise that not all volunteers learn in the same way or at the same speed. We are flexible with our training and have different options so that you can do your volunteer training and learn in a way that is most comfortable for you.

    We use multi-media to provide information in several formats to support diverse ways of learning, including:

    •   Digital documents: digital or electronic text is easily read aloud by a screen reader, enlarged, converted to Braille, adjusted for colour and contrast as well as shared.
    •   Videos with captioning and description.

    We also offer flexible remote training and online resources, including:

    •   Online training modules which you can complete at your own pace.
    •   Real time video conference training sessions.
  • FoodCycle strives to be as inclusive as possible and our recruitment process focuses on finding a match between the volunteer roles available and the applicant’s skills, qualities, and interests.

    We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that our working environment does not prevent you from taking on volunteer roles for which you are suitably qualified. This may include physical adaptations or more flexible ways of working (where appropriate and practical).

    You’ll be asked during the registration process if you consider yourself a person with a disability.  If you tell us that you may need adjustments to volunteer, then we’ll get in touch to have a chat about how we can best support you.  We’ll explain how your local FoodCycle Project works and run through the different volunteer roles so you have a good overview of the opportunities on offer. (This is also the case if you apply for one of our Project Leader volunteer roles.)

    What you can expect from FoodCycle:

    •   A welcoming and inclusive environment, free from discrimination.
    •   We will strive to provide the support and equipment you may need to enable you to use the application process, undertake your voluntary role, and undertake any relevant training.
    •   We will work with you to ensure that your individual needs are met, carrying out role evaluations/risk assessments where appropriate.
    •   If further support or equipment is needed to enable you to undertake your role, we will seek appropriate advice and support from external agencies.
  • We will always work with you to ensure your volunteer experience meets your needs through reasonable adjustments. This includes, (but isn’t limited to):

    •   Adjustments for mobility (difficulty with standing, walking, lifting, carrying). For example, by adapting tasks so they can be carried out sitting down and/or remotely; dividing/delegating tasks to suit different capabilities; or offering a ‘buddy’ for support.
    •   Adjustments for neurological conditions (seizures, memory problems, concentration, autism). For example, by making sure that tasks are straight forward and similar each week, or tweaking volunteer session timings to allow tasks to be carried out when minimal numbers of people are present.
    •   Adjustments for communication (deafness, sight impairments). For example, by adapting paperwork, meetings, information, and/or training to make them more accessible, or assigning a member of staff to go through forms etc. on the phone or in person.

    We encourage you to share the ways we can support you best, to help you gain the most from your volunteer experience.

    Occasionally, adjustments are unfortunately not possible, due to the volunteer-led nature of our Projects, financial limitations, and/or training constraints. However, we will work with you to understand your personal need/requirements and will always try to make reasonable adjustments where possible.

  • We will do everything we can to help you to continue in your existing volunteer role(s). Where this is not possible, we will offer suitable alternative roles for you to think about, and endeavour to provide training and support as needed.

  • That’s not a problem! Volunteering with FoodCycle is very flexible – and if you need to take a break you can simply remove yourself via the volunteer portal.

    We just ask for as much notice as possible so another volunteer can fill your slot.

Equal Opportunities

At FoodCycle we are a diverse organisation and welcome volunteers and guests from all backgrounds and walks of life. Visit our equal opportunities page to find out about volunteering with a disability.
Find Out More

Guest and volunteer stories

Photo of volunteer Bev, with menu board

Bev – Volunteer

Meet Bev, a FoodCycle volunteer who loves nothing more than sharing meals and chatting with people!
Meet Bev >
Volunteers Ros and Ian together at a FoodCycle meal

Ros and Ian – Volunteers

Meet husband and wife team Ros and Ian, volunteers at FoodCycle Newport. 
Meet Ros and Ian >

Angela – Volunteer

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

Fundraising

Want to help us create a society where no-one is hungry or lonely? Visit our fundraising page for a menu of ideas for getting involved and raising vital cash.

Find out more

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.

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Untitled

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

Follow us on Instagram

FoodCycle has given me a great sense of purpose.”...

17 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18051650228614992
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 💚
...

50 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18060514409209479
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...

52 1
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...

84 1
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
...

47 0
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

Leftover courgettes languishing in the fridge?
...

7 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18065750593951299
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...

23 1
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18538204495032504
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 🌟
...

6 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18161559001365026
Make courgettes the star of the show 🌟

What would you dip in this?

Maybe some 🥕
or some sticks of 🥒

Tell us below! 
-----------------
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...

31 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18071034962025117
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
...

36 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17894630658147165
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.”...

17 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18051650228614992
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 💚
...

50 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18060514409209479
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...

52 1
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...

84 1
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
...

47 0
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

Leftover courgettes languishing in the fridge?
...

7 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18065750593951299
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...

23 1
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18538204495032504
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 🌟
...

6 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18161559001365026
Make courgettes the star of the show 🌟

What would you dip in this?

Maybe some 🥕
or some sticks of 🥒

Tell us below! 
-----------------
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...

31 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18071034962025117
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
...

36 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17894630658147165
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
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
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  • Find a Meal
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© FoodCycle 2025

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

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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

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