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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
    • Fundraise
    • The Big Lunch
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    • Trusts and Major Gifts
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    • Donate
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • 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
    • Fundraise
    • The Big Lunch
    • FoodCycle Lottery
    • Trusts and Major Gifts
    • Donate Food
    • Donate
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Donate

101

Community meals this week

Find your local community meal location

Find a meal

Volunteer Roles

Sign up to 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 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

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
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

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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

36 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 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

77 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 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!

53 1
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

26 1
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

17 0
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

47 1
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
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: [email protected]
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© FoodCycle 2025

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

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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]

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