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
  • 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
  • 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

101

Community meals this week

Find your local community meal location

Find a meal

Volunteer stories: The importance of cooking and presenting food with care

  • March 14, 2022

Project Leader, Chris, has given over 155 hours to FoodCycle Finsbury Park, a project renowned for it’s high-quality food and attention to detail. We asked him about what his role involves, what he has learned and why he thinks presentation is so important!

How did you hear about us?

I was looking to do some volunteering in a soup kitchen and FoodCycle came up when I searched online. I was drawn to it because it looked like a more open and friendlier environment than a traditional soup kitchen. It was really fun from day one and a lot different to soup kitchen’s I had volunteered with in the past. It’s nice to be somewhere that is led by volunteers, not by members of staff, as you have more control and ownership over the project. 

Why did you get involved?

There were lots of reasons I decided to join FoodCycle as a volunteer. Firstly, I wanted to do something to support those experiencing food poverty, and just from looking on the streets I could see that homelessness was going up. Joining FoodCycle showed me that food poverty is a growing problem for lots of people.

I also love cooking, so I felt I was putting my skills to good use. It seems unfair that many of our guests don’t get to try new food experiences and tastes very often, so by volunteering I get to give them the opportunity to try things they may otherwise not have.

I knew a little about food waste, but I didn’t realise it was such a big problem environmentally and socially. The first session really peaked my interest in this.

What do you do for FoodCycle each week? Why do you enjoy it?

I am a Project Leader and I generally lead on the cooking side of things, making mains and starters and with general coordination. I have ideas that I can bring, but I always want to get volunteers involved with coming up with recipes. Volunteers are more likely to come back if they have more control and responsibility. I’ve also enjoyed working with hosting volunteers recently and having more chances to chat with guests.

What skills have you gained?

I’ve gained many useful skills that can be applied to life in general, especially running the kitchen and the hosting side of things. This definitely requires great time management and coordination skills, such as when to put certain dishes in the oven, or on the hob – it requires balancing a lot of tasks.

As a leader I would definitely recommend the volunteer management aspects: I am learning how best to motivate them, ensuring it is still fun, and making sure they feel valued. Also, we focus on wanting to make things a bit special for our guests (hosting and food). The guests have known us for a year now and they really appreciate our work.

What do you think guests have learned from FoodCycle Finsbury Park, and what have you learnt from them?

I think guests have learnt about eating healthy and tasty food, and hopefully a bit about healthy eating and cooking, such as trying different types of vegetables. We try to ensure it is not too complicated. They’ve also recognise how much time and effort we put in- we’ve seen them help with clearing up and closing down which is a big help, and they seem to really appreciate our help.

I’ve learnt how to cook things that appeal to a wide range of tastes (something I didn’t appreciate at the beginning). It’s made me more open-minded. On a people level, I’ve learnt how kind, open-minded and generous people are. We all come from a variety of different backgrounds and have interesting conversations. I feel I have learnt a lot about them, and also how our community is so diverse. When I see our guests thanking and helping us, it does make me feel more humble and appreciative of what I have.

Why do you think the presentation of food, and the quality of the food made, is so important at a FoodCycle meal?

Firstly, because FoodCycle as a national charity is trying to break the stigma around what a free meal is. We make it more open, fun, useful and welcoming. Cooking and presenting food with care, with restaurant-style plating, helps with this.

When I started I slowly but surely introduced better presentation. At first, there was a little resistance because of the speed we need to turn meals around in, but now people really like doing it. It’s fun for volunteers and I feel they are learning a bit which is motivating for them.

Also, we cook things that are a bit different, so both volunteers and guests are trying things they may not have before.

We’re ultimately just trying to get a Michelin star!

What’s the one meal you’ve been most proud of being involved in making at FoodCycle?

 I guess I’d say the fundraiser we put on with professional chef Asma Khan. It was a lot of effort, but it involved the whole team, both in the build-up and on the day. It was a big success, both volunteers and attendees got a lot out of it. And we raised a lot of money from it which will help us to continue serving fantastic meals every Saturday.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

 When I’m not volunteering with FoodCycle, I’m finishing my Masters, seeing friends and family, and going out for dinner when I can.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

If you like food, cooking food, and you like being round great people, just give it a go. Like a lot of these things in life, I think what’s the harm in trying? It’s a very open, inclusive and easy-going atmosphere. You’ll make a difference, even if you just try once.

If you could sum up FoodCycle in one word, what would it be?

Caring

Inspired by Chris and want to get involved in your local project? Sign up here.

Related News

FoodCycle volunteer Ashliegh

Thinking of fundraising for FoodCycle? Here’s how one volunteer raised £3,000 — plus some tips to help you!

Meet Ashliegh, a dedicated volunteer who raised an amazing £3,000 for FoodCycle.  From hosting a bring-and-share lunch in her workplace, to a quiz night and an afternoon tea, Ashliegh got...
View Article >

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 >

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

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

37 0
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!

52 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.

62 2
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

46 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

The Big Lunch is in full swing and we’re loving your ideas! 💚

🍽️ Francisca in Manchester brought her colleagues together for a team lunch
🥪 James in Leicester used food donations to serve up a community spread
☀️ And Jane’s hosting a lovely ladies’ picnic, with a suggested £5 donation for guests

There’s still time to join in and your lunch can be as simple as a few friends, a shared bite to eat, and a small donation to our fundraising page.

It is a perfect excuse to catch up and support a brilliant cause 🙌

More information is on the link in the bio and don`t forget to tag us in your event photos.

#TheBigLunch #Lunch #FoodCycle #Community

17 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18038519648330111
The Big Lunch is in full swing and we’re loving your ideas! 💚

🍽️ Francisca in Manchester brought her colleagues together for a team lunch
🥪 James in Leicester used food donations to serve up a community spread
☀️ And Jane’s hosting a lovely ladies’ picnic, with a suggested £5 donation for guests

There’s still time to join in and your lunch can be as simple as a few friends, a shared bite to eat, and a small donation to our fundraising page.

It is a perfect excuse to catch up and support a brilliant cause 🙌

More information is on the link in the bio and don't forget to tag us in your event photos.

#TheBigLunch #Lunch #FoodCycle #Community

"I can go for days without talking to anyone. Living on my own put my mental health low… but FoodCycle has changed that."

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re sharing just how powerful food and friendship can be.

When guests join us for a community meal, they’re not just receiving a plate of food, they’re being welcomed into a space filled with kindness and connection.

💬 We’re proud that 78% of our guests say they feel less lonely
💚 And 83% feel happier after a meal

No one should have to face loneliness alone.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek

63 5
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18112845742491506
"I can go for days without talking to anyone. Living on my own put my mental health low… but FoodCycle has changed that."

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re sharing just how powerful food and friendship can be.

When guests join us for a community meal, they’re not just receiving a plate of food, they’re being welcomed into a space filled with kindness and connection.

💬 We’re proud that 78% of our guests say they feel less lonely
💚 And 83% feel happier after a meal

No one should have to face loneliness alone.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek

Eric ran a marathon in full clown costume. And we couldn’t be prouder.

Recently, Eric, who is a valued member of our hosting team at FoodCycle Wembley, completed the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for FoodCycle 💚

His reason?

"I’ve experienced food scarcity multiple times... That’s why, when I have the time and stability, I see it not just as a privilege but as a responsibility to support charities like FoodCycle."

Eric, we’re so grateful for your dedication, your humour and your commitment to helping others...even if you really hate running 🏃‍♂️🤣

Clown costume or not, you’re an absolute hero to us!

#EdinburghMarathon #Fundraising #Running #FoodCycle

22 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 17948632220986277
Eric ran a marathon in full clown costume. And we couldn’t be prouder.

Recently, Eric, who is a valued member of our hosting team at FoodCycle Wembley, completed the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for FoodCycle 💚

His reason?

"I’ve experienced food scarcity multiple times... That’s why, when I have the time and stability, I see it not just as a privilege but as a responsibility to support charities like FoodCycle."

Eric, we’re so grateful for your dedication, your humour and your commitment to helping others...even if you really hate running 🏃‍♂️🤣

Clown costume or not, you’re an absolute hero to us!

#EdinburghMarathon #Fundraising #Running #FoodCycle

FoodCycle Volunteers by Numbers 💚

Last year, our amazing volunteers made BIG things happen:

👥 8,764 volunteers
⏱️ 162,810 hours donated
🍽️ 162,938 meals served
🗨️ 277,064 hours spent engaging with guests
♻️ 320 tonnes of surplus food saved

Every hour given and every meal served made a real difference to communities across the UK.

To our volunteers – you are everything 💫

#FoodCycle #VolunteerByNumbers #ThankYouVolunteers #NationalVolunteersWeek

34 0
Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18079518706867211
FoodCycle Volunteers by Numbers 💚

Last year, our amazing volunteers made BIG things happen:

👥 8,764 volunteers
⏱️ 162,810 hours donated
🍽️ 162,938 meals served
🗨️ 277,064 hours spent engaging with guests
♻️ 320 tonnes of surplus food saved

Every hour given and every meal served made a real difference to communities across the UK.

To our volunteers – you are everything 💫

#FoodCycle #VolunteerByNumbers #ThankYouVolunteers #NationalVolunteersWeek
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]
  • 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: [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