Guest and Volunteer Stories - FoodCycle

Volunteer Login

102

Community meals this week

Find your local community meal location

Meet our Guests and Volunteers

Our guests and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Our selection of videos and stories will give you an insight it to what FoodCycle means to them.

AllGuestVolunteer

Amanda – Volunteer

Amanda shares her experience of becoming a volunteer registered with a disability.

Joan – Volunteer

Joan shares why she enjoys volunteering with FoodCycle.

Emma – Volunteer

Emma shares how volunteering has a positive impact on her mental health and wellbeing.

Andrew – Guest

Andrew shares his story and experience with the Walsall FoodCycle branch.

Jean Paul – Volunteer

JP shares his story on why & how he became a Volunteer Project Leader

Anne – Volunteer

Anne, our Cooking Project Leader at FoodCycle Islington tells her story

Bernita – Volunteer

South Africa born Bernita shares her story of volunteering with FoodCycle

John – Guest

John shares how mental health problems impacted his life and how FoodCycle helped him

Sharon – Volunteer

Retired Sharon joins FoodCycle after seeing us on Facebook

Andy – Volunteer

Volunteer cook Andy shares his FoodCycle story

Jean – Guest

Jean shares her story of how Lewisham FoodCycle has helped her mental health

Lee – Guest

Lee lives 30 minutes away from two FoodCycle Projects and is a regular of 4 years.

1 23

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

Follow us on Instagram

foodcyclehq Nov 18

❤️ 100 Community Meals ❤️

Last week, we celebrated something truly special: the opening of our 100th FoodCycle project in Reading

That’s 100 communities where people come together for more than just food. It’s a warm seat at the table, a compassionate ear, a space to share stories, and the comfort of endless cups of tea.

We couldn’t be prouder of our incredible staff and volunteers who made this possible. Week-in week-out, they show up for the people in their communities who need us most.

Thank you 👏🥕

foodcyclehq Nov 13

This #WorldKindnessDay, we want to remind you that FoodCycle is so much more than the food we serve—it’s about connection, compassion, and community.

At FoodCycle, we’re building communities, sharing laughter, and creating a welcoming space where everyone belongs. When a guest walks through our doors, we may not know their story, but our volunteers welcome each person with open arms, treating everyone with warmth, kindness, and respect.

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, people can find more than a meal here—they find community.

#FoodCycle

foodcyclehq Nov 11

This week at FoodCycle Broxtowe our volunteers welcomed 27 guests for a free, hearty three-course meal.

On the menu this week was...
🥕 Warming butternut squash and carrot soup
🍝 Homemade lasagne with a fresh side salad
🍏 Classic apple crumble to end on a sweet note

As the nights get darker and the weather gets colder, we want to just say a big thank you to our volunteers, who make sure that each week they are showing up for their community and for people and families who really rely on our service.

You are wonderful! ❤️

foodcyclehq Nov 8

We are so thrilled to once again be part of @adventofchange's 2024 charity network!

Make a difference to us, and 23 other amazing causes, with just one very special advent calendar…

Head to adventofchange.com to browse their non-profit collection and support our free, community meals this winter 🌟🎄

#AdventOfChange #OpenUpToChange

foodcyclehq Nov 7

'You'll be made to feel very at home' 🏡🥕

Marie is one of our most dedicated volunteers in Leeds, and her kindness and care for our guests was so evident when we went to visit her at our Leeds Beeston & Holbeck meal.

As the nights grow darker, bring a bit of light to your day—and to others—by supporting your local community.

Sign up today and make a real difference for people in need this winter.

Link in bio 🥦

foodcyclehq Nov 4

Totally Made-Up but Probably True Stats about FoodCycle Volunteers...

🥕 FoodCycle volunteers can chop vegetables 87% faster than the average UK resident and have a 75% higher chance of spotting a “bad carrot” from across the room.

🍅 Armed with nothing but potatoes, custard, tomato purée, and a cauliflower our volunteers can can create over 32 different recipes.

☕️ Known for their near-photographic memory, FoodCycle volunteers can remember 96% more tea and coffee orders than the average Brit.

If you're eager to learn these vital life skills, sign up to volunteer with your local FoodCycle today and start making a real difference in your community.

🔗 link in bio.

foodcyclehq Oct 31

Happy Halloween to everyone, but an extra spooky shoutout to Clare, our most haunted volunteer with a headband game that's absolutely to die for! 👻 🧛‍♀️ 🎃

#Halloween #Boo

foodcyclehq Oct 30

FoodCycle Cardiff Ely have kicked off the spooky celebrations this week with a wicked menu of...

🥕 Creepy Carrot & Coriander Soup with Beastly Bread and Butter
🍲 Vile Vegetable Lasagne with Monstrous Mixed Salad
🍓 Terrible Tiramisu with Foul Fresh Strawberries

We can't wait to see what spooky creations our volunteers come up with this week. Ooohooooohhhh 👻

What's a halloween staple in your house?

foodcyclehq Oct 28

ARGHHHGHGHGHG 😱

Sorry, just us screaming about the horrors of pumpkin waste!

This year, give your pumpkin the afterlife it deserves. Share your best tips and recipes below, and let’s make pumpkin waste a little less terrifying together. 🎃👇

#Pumpkin #FoodWaste #Halloween #SaveThePumpkins #EatYourPumpkin

foodcyclehq Oct 23

🎟 Roll up, roll up! 🎟

Have you got your tickets for our #WorldFoodDay raffle yet?

For just £2, you’ll not only be backing our efforts to tackle food poverty, loneliness, and food waste, but you’ll also be in with a shot at winning some fantastic prizes 🎁

This year’s lineup includes a fabulous foodie bundle from @MissionKitchen, a £50 voucher from @thecookkitchen, a delicious brownie and tea box from @ExplodingBakery, and so much more! You could also win an Adult and Child ticket to @CotswoldWildlifePark or a mixed case of beer from @CrumbsBrewing.

Your support means the world to us! Enter via the link in our bio 🌎

foodcyclehq Oct 22

We need a hero, we're holding out for a hero on a biikkeee.
⁠
🥦 Do you know that all the food donated to our projects is collected and delivered by volunteers? Without this brilliant bunch, our community meals couldn't operate.⁠
⁠
🧅 With so many new projects opening we're experiencing a real need for new volunteer food collectors.
⁠
🥕 So whether you have a car, truck, bike, unicycle or horse and carriage, we want to hear from you. ⁠
⁠
Click the link in our bio now, fill out the form and we'll be in touch!⁠

foodcyclehq Oct 21

Please join us in celebrating a huge milestone for Alan—1,000 hours of volunteering! 🍅⁠
⁠
Alan is truly the heart of FoodCycle Clacton, and we couldn't be more thrilled that his incredible dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. To mark the occasion, Julie, one of our amazing project leaders, baked a special cake, and the whole team serenaded Alan with a rendition of 'He's a jolly good felloooowww!' 🎶⁠
⁠
Alan, what would we do without you. Thank you for your years of service to your community and your commitment to ensuring that each week, nobody goes without a hot meal, a good chat and a lovely cup of tea.⁠
⁠
Here's to 1000 more hours! 😃

foodcyclehq Oct 17

🇮🇹 What an incredible evening! 🇮🇹

Last night, Michelin-trained chef and FoodCycle Patron, @danilocortellini and his incredible team wowed guests at our World Food Day Dinner.

Held at the beautiful @ItalianEmbassyinuk and hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, this unforgettable evening raised over £24,000 to support FoodCycle’s mission of providing access to healthy, nutritious food for all.

A huge thank you to our food and wine sponsors who made this night possible: @seasonitaly, @granapadanopdo, @risogallouk, @delitalia_uk, @villasandi, @lacucinadisanpietroapettine, and a special shoutout to our event sponsor, Calastone, for their incredible support.

We’re also grateful to our corporate partners who joined us on this special evening - thank you to @compassgroupuki, @danone.yogurt, @JustEatuk, and @Quorn_uk.

Together, we’re making a real difference and eating a lot of delicious food along the way. If you'd like to support FoodCycle, please click the link in our bio to enter our World Food Day raffle. For £2 you're in with a chance to win some brilliant foodie prizes 🌎

foodcyclehq Oct 15

Have you entered our #WorldFoodDay raffle yet?!

Not only are you supporting our mission to end food poverty, loneliness and food waste but for £2 you're in with a chance of winning some MEGA prizes 🏆

From a Magnum of Claret from @berrybrosrudd or Afternoon Tea for Two at the @langham_london,
to a signed @marcuswareing Cookbook or casserole dish from @ProCook we have a prize for everybody!

We so appreciate your support! Link to enter in our bio 🔗🎖

foodcyclehq Oct 14

FoodCycle launch Exeter Beacon Heath! 🍅

Last night, we celebrated the launch of our second project in Exeter and welcomed a full house of 44 guests!

On the menu was...

🥕 Carrot, Orange and Cumin soup
🌶 @quorn_uk Chilli with Roast Potato and Rice
🍰 Cinnamon Cake & Custard

A huge well done to our wonderful staff and volunteers who made this launch such a success in the community!

foodcyclehq Oct 10

This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we're highlighting the impact of community dining, not just on our guests, but for our volunteers who give their time to make our meals possible.

Volunteering is about so much more than cooking and serving food, it's a chance to find a sense of purpose and build real connections. Community is everything and having a place to go each week, where you can meet and spend time with like-minded people is so valuable to many of our volunteers.

In a world where it's easy to feel disconnected, these shared moments of kindness and connection can make all the difference.

This World Mental Health Day, we want to thank our volunteers for creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for.

Join us today 🥦 link in our bio

foodcyclehq Oct 1

Now that's what you call a showstopper! 🍰🤩

To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we partnered with Great British Bake Off star and @procookuk's Food Expert, @spongecakesquaretin, who baked a stunning vegetable-themed cake for our community meal in Luton. As part of our collaboration with ProCook, Steven joined us to share the cake with over 70 amazing guests and volunteers.

Before the cake was served, everyone enjoyed a meal of hearty winter vegetable soup followed by baked potatoes topped with vegetable chilli con carne and cheese, all made from surplus food.

Speaking about our community meals, Steven said, "What FoodCycle is doing is truly extraordinary, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of the volunteers. I encourage everyone to get involved."

A massive thank you to Steven – you're welcome back anytime! ❤️

foodcyclehq Sep 30

Today marks the final day of our birthday month, and while we're a bit sad to see our meal celebrations wrap up, we’ve probably reached our cake limit—one more slice and we might burst! So perhaps it's for the best. 😃🍰

Throughout the month, our volunteers have gone above and beyond in making each celebration truly special for our guests. They already do so much, and for them to put in the extra effort to create these fun, inclusive gatherings means the world to us!

A huge thank you to our volunteers for all your hard work and for week-in week-out, making our meals such a welcoming and safe space for our guests. ❤️

foodcyclehq Sep 24

Our 15th birthday parties are happening at every FoodCycle meal throughout the month. 🥳

Missed yours? Don’t worry—at FoodCycle, most meals tend to end with a slice of cake anyway!

Join us for great food, good company, and plenty of birthday cheer as we celebrate 15 amazing years of fighting hunger and loneliness.

Find your local meal and sign up to volunteer today by clicking the link in our bio now!

foodcyclehq Sep 23

🏆 FoodCycle – Medium Charity of the Year!

On Friday we were absolutely delighted to receive the Third Sector’s Award for ‘Medium Charity of the Year.’

#ThirdSectorAwards

This award recognises the huge amount of work and dedication that goes in to running FoodCycle’s community meals and we want to thank each and every one of you for your support. From our volunteers, food suppliers, corporate partners, employees, trustees and donors – we couldn’t do this without you.

foodcyclehq Sep 20

Join us for a special evening at @foodcyclefinsburypark! 🍊

Get ready for a night of incredible food and meaningful connections at our upcoming FoodCycle Fundraiser. Chef @dinewithdina, known for her Omani-inspired cuisine, will team up with our amazing volunteers to create a restaurant-quality, three-course vegetarian feast.

What makes this event truly special? Every ingredient is rescued from going to landfill—proving that surplus food can create something extraordinary!

Enjoy a lively atmosphere, live entertainment, and a dining experience that makes a real impact. 🥘

Don’t miss out, get your tickets today by clicking the link in FoodCycle’s bio.

foodcyclehq Sep 18

👋 Meet Jean, who did her very first volunteering shift last week at our Kilburn meal. If you're thinking about volunteering, Jean’s story might be the encouragement you need.

Let us know in the comments about your first time volunteering. Let's reassure the newbies that they are welcome with us!

foodcyclehq Sep 16

🎂 Our volunteers are celebrating FoodCycle’s 15th birthday in style! 🎂⁠
⁠
At FoodCycle, we’re more than just a meal. We create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone is served with dignity, just like a restaurant. No need to queue, no questions asked – simply sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal in great company. ⁠
⁠
We’re a community and everyone is invited.⁠
⁠
Want to know when your local meal is hosting their birthday party? Just drop a comment below and we'll let you know!

foodcyclehq Sep 13

Foodcycle 15 cook along!

There’s still time to donate, head to the link in our bio 🙂🥦

foodcyclehq Sep 12

🎈🎂 15 Years of Saving Food, Building Connections, and Feeding Communities!

We could talk all day about what this milestone means, but we’ll let the people who make it happen every week do the talking - our incredible volunteers.

Seriously though, how many brews do you reck we've made across the UK in 15 years?! Guesses below 👇☕️

foodcyclehq Sep 9

🗓️ Set your reminder!

Join us this Friday at 8pm for a fun-filled fundraising cookalong with our CEO, Sophie. 🥑

Here’s the twist: YOU pick the ingredients! Each donation equals an ingredient, and Sophie will have to whip up a surprise meal, FoodCycle style, without knowing what’s coming.

Get involved, donate, and tune in for some culinary creativity!

foodcyclehq Sep 5

This International Day of Charity, we want to share a heartwarming story involving a florist, a FoodCycle project, and 120 grapefruits...🍊

Mark, a talented florist, recently created a stunning display for the opening of a new @waitrose store in London. His masterpiece featured 400 oranges, 200 lemons, 200 limes, 24 pomegranates, and so much more.

Recognising the importance of reducing food waste, Mark and Waitrose decided that this abundance of fresh produce should go to a good cause! They generously donated all the delicious fruit and veg to FoodCycle Finsbury Park and the Andover Community Centre, which hosts our meals and also runs a weekly food bank.

This incredible donation was transformed into a tasty community meal of Masala Soup, Okonomiyaki, and Clementine Banana Cake, as well as giving us lots of yummy ingredients to freeze and use for future meals!

Thank you so much to Mark and Waitrose 🍌🍓

foodcyclehq Sep 4

Another community now has access to free meals and great company ❤️⁠
⁠
Today at 7 pm, St Paul's Church in London will open its doors to welcome guests for a delicious, nutritious, and free three-course meal!⁠
⁠
📍 St Paul's Church, 60 Park Lane, London N17 0JR⁠
⁠
Everybody is welcome, no questions asked—just turn up, and we'll show you to a seat! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠
⁠
If you're local to London and would like to volunteer with us at this project, click the link in our bio and sign up today!⁠

foodcyclehq Sep 2

🍰 We’re celebrating 15 amazing years of FoodCycle this month! 🍰

It all began with the incredible Kelvin, our founder and very first volunteer. Since then, he’s inspired thousands of others to join in. Last year alone, 5,849 dedicated volunteers served 83 communities across the UK, saving 239 tonnes of food from going to waste!

We’ve come such a long way since Kelvin first founded FoodCycle, and this month, we’re taking a moment to celebrate all the incredible people who have been part of our journey.

So today, let's give it up for Kelvin. The food we've saved, the friendships we've made and the brews we've drank are all down to him. 👏

#15YearsOfFoodCycle

foodcyclehq Aug 30

Put the Fun Back in Fundraising with FoodCycle!⁠
⁠
Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking for something more adventurous, fundraising for FoodCycle offers plenty of exciting options. Stick to a classic marathon, or go for something wackier, like a bungee jump, zombie dash, or mud run! ⁠
⁠
Every challenge helps provide meals to those in need and now more than ever, FoodCycle is crucial in communities across the UK.⁠
⁠
So why not lace up those shoes or strap on that bungee cord? Start your fundraising journey today by clicking the link in our bio 🙂🏃🏽‍♀️⁠

foodcyclehq Aug 29

Us whenever we hear that people haven’t signed up to stop food waste, feed their local community and make new friends yet 😛

Link in bio for the cool people only.

foodcyclehq Aug 28

For some reason the meals in our Manchester projects are currently being served with bucket hats on.

We can only wonder(wall) why this is happening?!

foodcyclehq Aug 27

A huge thank you to the amazing FoodCycle volunteers who generously gave their time over the bank holiday to collect, cook and serve free meals to those who need them. ⁠
⁠
While many of us were enjoying a break, this lovely bunch made sure that nobody in their community went without a meal this weekend.⁠
⁠
You are wonderful and we couldn't do it without you 🙂🥑

foodcyclehq Aug 22

Each week our amazing volunteers work their magic by transforming surplus food into delicious, nutritious, and hearty meals that would have otherwise gone to waste. ⁠
⁠
We are so impressed by how creative and thoughtful these meals are so here’s a round-up of some of our favourites from the past few weeks! 🥒⁠
⁠
Spot your dish on here? Let us know below 👇⁠

foodcyclehq Aug 20

What a brilliant opening meal at FoodCycle Coventry 🥦

A huge thank you to the wonderful team of volunteers who whipped up a delicious 3-course meal for the local community.

We're always looking for friendly faces to join our team. If you’re passionate about fighting food waste and supporting your community, we’d love to welcome you as a volunteer.

Come and be part of something special. Click the link in our bio today. 🥑

foodcyclehq Aug 19

'If you just look around right now, you have a diverse selection of people from different nationalities, different backgrounds'⁠
⁠
Volunteering with us is all about connecting with amazing, kind people while giving back to your local community and creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.⁠
⁠
Let's all be a bit more like Hamza. Share this video with your own community and together, let's see how many new volunteer signs up we can get today.⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq Aug 15

Ok FoodCycle Cambridge, we see your strawberry tart. Very demure, very mindful...🍓

foodcyclehq Aug 12

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and their families for representing FoodCycle at the Clacton carnival last night! 🎉👯‍♀️⁠
⁠
We couldn't be prouder to have this lovely bunch as the face of FoodCycle in their community, and we want to say a huge thank you to them for giving up their time to shout all about our free meals and volunteering opportunities. ⁠
⁠
Your dedication and enthusiasm make all the difference—thank you for being a part of our mission!

foodcyclehq Aug 8

We’re so thrilled to announce the 12 fantastic winners of the FoodCycle Regional Volunteer of the Year Award 2024, presented by the @MarshAwards Charitable Trust! 🏆🥦

This award recognises the exceptional dedication and support our volunteers provide, making a tangible difference in their communities. Each winner will receive a certificate, £300, and a commemorative apron, in recognition of their outstanding service.

Join us in celebrating our incredible winners! It's the dedication and kindness of these volunteers and volunteers like you, that are the heart of FoodCycle.

Well done 👏

foodcyclehq Aug 7

It was a hot evening at FoodCycle Sheffield Parson Cross, but the cool-headed team managed to serve up a delicious feast for 26 guests!⁠
⁠
On the incredible menu we had...⁠
⁠
🥒 Tomato & Courgette Bruschetta⁠
🍅 Cauliflower & Chickpea Spiced Stew (with a surprise of tomatoes and courgettes!)⁠
🥜 Roasted Red Grapes with Crunchy Peanut Granola and Posh Vanilla Custard⁠
⁠
Well done team 👏 ⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Community #Sheffield

foodcyclehq Aug 6

**Community meal updates**

Due to the recent riots, some of our community meals may not be running this week.

As a charity whose aim is to bring people from all communities together, we are saddened to see these targeted attacks and reject any racism, violence and discrimination of any kind.

We will continue to work closely with our volunteers, staff and guests to help them feel safe and supported. If you are planning to attend a meal this week, please double check the location page on our website for any updates. If a meal is cancelled we will contact guests and volunteers via email or text.

We will do everything we can to run as normal but the safety of our guests and volunteers is paramount.

foodcyclehq Aug 6

At FoodCycle, there's no such thing as a 'typical' volunteer. ⁠
⁠
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and the one thing they all have in common is a passion for giving back to their community.⁠
⁠
We don't require our volunteers to have any previous experience in cooking or serving food. All we ask is that you're enthusiastic about learning, willing to give it a go, and can remember 30 tea orders at once 😉⁠
⁠
Join us and be a part of something amazing!

foodcyclehq Aug 2

How you can help...⁠
⁠
🍋 Click the link in our bio and sign up to volunteer⁠
🥦 Tell your friends how amazing it is to volunteer with us⁠
🌶 Share this post to your page⁠
⁠
Let's work together this summer to ensure our communities are well-fed and those in need can find company, enjoy some brews, and have a good chat at their local FoodCycle.⁠
⁠
#VolunteeringIsCool

foodcyclehq Jul 31

'We call is the Angel Centre, because they're actually angels'

We visited our Salford meal to find out what it is that makes FoodCycle so special in communities. We think Julie summed it up pretty well 😇

We are always in need of volunteers, if you'd like to make a difference in your local community, click the link in our bio now!

foodcyclehq Jul 30

🧼 We are thrilled to announce that FoodCycle Sunderland Ashbrooke has earned a 5-star food rating.⁠
⁠
This achievement is a huge testament to the commitment of our volunteers and we can't thank you enough. ⁠
⁠
Well done team (and thank you to Michelle for the fabulous photo). 😃❤️⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq Jul 25

Any excuse to whip out the fruit suits…😛🍉

foodcyclehq Jul 23

The four C's of FoodCycle...

🥑 Community Dining
💬 Conversation
☕️ Cups of Tea
💛 Custard

What else makes FoodCycle so unique? Let us know below!

foodcyclehq Jul 22

Another community now has access to free meals and great company ❤️⁠
⁠
Today at 1pm, FoodCycle Leicester Highfields will open its doors to welcome guests for a delicious, nutritious, and free three-course meal!⁠
⁠
📍 Wesley Hall Community Centre, 76 Hartington Rd, Leicester, LE2 0GN⁠
⁠
Everybody is welcome, no questions asked, turn up and we'll show you to a seat.⁠
⁠
If you're local to Leicester and would like to volunteer with us at this project, click the link in our bio and sign up today!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Leicester #FreeMeals #Community

foodcyclehq Jul 18

Thank you so much to these lovely GoodGym volunteers who hit the streets to support us at FoodCycle Luton.

This lovely bunch spent their morning posting flyers around town to help us recruit more hosting volunteers for our Luton community meal.

Thank you so much for your hard work! Do good in your local community with @goodgym today. 💪

foodcyclehq Jul 17

foodcyclehq Jul 15

Turning up to your first community meal as a volunteer can sometimes feel daunting. So we asked Amir how his first day with FoodCycle was going!⁠
⁠
Let us know below how your first time volunteering with us was? 🌽⁠

foodcyclehq Jul 10

🚴‍♂️ Good luck to the amazing @justeatuk cyclists on their big challenge tomorrow! 🚴‍♀️
We’re incredibly proud to see them smash their fundraising target, already raising over £10,000 for FoodCycle.

These vital funds will go a long way in providing community meals for those in need, making a real difference in people's lives.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and donated. Your generosity is fueling our mission to fight hunger and loneliness. 🥦

Let’s cheer them on as they ride from London to Bristol, and if you haven’t yet, please consider donating to support their incredible effort. Every bit helps!

🔗 Donation link in bio

🔗 Donation Li

#JustEat #CycleChallenge #GoodLuck #FundraisingSuccess #CommunityMeals #Support

foodcyclehq Jul 8

Who said you can't be professional whilst dressed as a giant vegetable? 👀🥕⁠

foodcyclehq Jul 2

Despite struggling for cooking volunteers, the Broxtowe Aspley team are smashing it!⁠
⁠
26 guests to enjoyed a three-course of...⁠
⁠
🥗 Potato slaw salad served with bread ⁠
🍆 Roasted aubergine with butternut squash mash and vegetable stew ⁠
🥭 Mango cake with mango coulis and orange wedges⁠
⁠
A huge well done to the team for putting together such a creative menu and to the lovely hosts who each week make our guests feel so welcome.⁠
⁠
Local to Broxtowe Aspley? We need you! Hit the link in our bio to register to volunteer.

foodcyclehq Jun 26

Nominate a Superstar FoodCycle Volunteer!

Are you a volunteer who knows a volunteer who goes above and beyond in your region? Now's the perfect time to recognise their incredible efforts with the @marshawards.

The Marsh Charitable Trust are awarding £300 cash prizes to 12 outstanding volunteers (one from each region) who make a real difference in their communities.

Submit your nominations by 14th July and help us celebrate the unsung heroes who tirelessly give their time and energy.

👉 To nominate, click the link in our bio.

#VolunteerAwards #CelebrateVolunteers #MarshAwards

foodcyclehq Jun 24

Us anytime somebody talks to us about the #FoodCycle15 challenge 😛

Over the last 15 years, we’ve dished up almost 3.5 million meals. With your help, we can serve even more.

To celebrate our 15th birthday, join us in the FoodCycle 15 fundraising challenge. Here are some fun ways to get involved:

🏃‍♂️ Run 15km
🕺 Throw a 15-year disco
🍴 Host a £15 dinner party
🚴 Cycle 15 miles
Aim to raise £115 to help us continue providing nutritious meals and friendly conversation.

Get involved, raise funds, and make a difference. Let’s make this birthday the most delicious one yet! 🎂

Clock up your 15 and celebrate with us. Download the fundraising pack at the link in our bio.

foodcyclehq Jun 21

The need to celebrate unity and reject division is as relevant now as it was when the first @greatgettogether took place in 2017. ⁠
⁠
This weekend, hundreds of communities nationwide will be coming together to reject division and celebrate everything that unites us. We'd love for you to join them.⁠
⁠
As part of this incredible movement, FoodCycle invites you to join us for a free, community meal made from surplus food. Our mission has always been to nourish communities with great food and great company, and we believe in the power of sharing a meal to bring people together.⁠
⁠
To find your local meal or participate in other events, head to the Great Get Together website and click on their map feature. ⁠
⁠
See you there 🌽🥦 ⁠
⁠
#GreatGetTogether

foodcyclehq Jun 20

Another community now has access to free meals and great company ❤️⁠
⁠
Today at 6:30pm, FoodCycle Sunderland Grindon will open its doors to welcome guests for a delicious, nutritious, and free three-course meal!⁠
⁠
📍 Grindon Church Community Project, Galway Rd, Grindon, Sunderland SR4 8JZ⁠
⁠
Everybody is welcome, no questions asked, turn up and we'll show you to a seat! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠
⁠
If you're local to Sunderland and would like to volunteer with us at this project, click the link in our bio and sign up today!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Sunderland #FreeMeals #Community

foodcyclehq Jun 19

The FoodCycle team when a new volunteer turns up for the first time…😛

foodcyclehq Jun 14

A huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers who attended their local celebration events over the past few weeks!

Your dedication to your communities is the reason FoodCycle thrives. Thanks to your kindness, people across the UK have a safe, warm place to enjoy a meal every week.

You are a very special bunch of bananas and we appreciate everything you do. 🍌

#ThankYou #Community #VolunteersMatter

foodcyclehq Jun 11

Us when our volunteers do literally anything 👏👏

#BestVolunteersInTheWorld #FoodCycle

foodcyclehq Jun 10

Party hats? Sandwiches? Extremely competitive food quizzes? It must mean a Volunteer Celebration Event! 🎉🍾🥳

Can you spot yourself here at our North Event?

#WeLoveOurVolunteers

foodcyclehq Jun 8

If this is you…click the link in our bio now 😉

foodcyclehq Jun 6

A FoodCycle duo that truly needs no introduction...

Please meet Sutton's own, Anne and Lisa...😃

#NationalVolunteersWeek

foodcyclehq Jun 4

Here at FoodCycle we take pride in welcoming everybody to volunteer with us as a cook a host, or a delivery driver. 🚚⁠
⁠
Whilst we don't expect you to have any experience in these fields, we do have a few very specific requirements for our volunteers. ⁠
⁠
Disclaimer: We are kidding, if you don't have previous fluffy rice reporting experience we will still consider you. ⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Community #Volunteering ⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq Jun 3

🥦 We're kicking off #NationalVolunteersWeek with a shiny new project opening!⁠ ⁠🥦⁠
⁠
Today at 6:30pm, FoodCycle Fulham Court will open their doors to welcome guests for a delicious, nutritious, and free three-course meal!⁠
⁠
📍 Family Hub Tudor Rose Community Centre, Fulham Ct, London SW6 5PG⁠
⁠
Everybody is welcome, no questions asked, turn up and we'll show you to a seat! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠
⁠
If you're local to Fulham and would like to volunteer with us at this project, click the link in our bio and sign up today!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Barking #FreeMeals #Community

foodcyclehq May 31

🥦 Happy Friday! 🥦

To kick off the weekend we want you to tag in one person below who you think would make a brilliant celebrity ambassador for FoodCycle.

We're very curious 👀

foodcyclehq May 28

Today is National #WeLoveOurVolunteersDay! 😉⁠
⁠
Okay, we might have made that up, but we truly want to shine a spotlight on our amazing FoodCycle volunteers who each week give their time to serve their communities.⁠
⁠
Here are some lovely smiling faces to brighten up the post bank holiday blues!⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq May 24

🍞 Max's Sandwich Shop, Finsbury Park, be there or be square. 🍞⁠
⁠
On 25th and 26th May, head to Max's Sandwich Shop for a bready treat that supports FoodCycle. ⁠
⁠
Not only will you get to savor an amazing sarnie, but you'll also be supporting a great cause - £1 from every veggie sandwich sold will be donated to FoodCycle.⁠
⁠
By tucking into @lunchluncheon Max's unique creations, you're helping fight food waste and support communities in need. Don't miss this chance to taste something extraordinary and make a difference!⁠
⁠
See you there!⁠
⁠
#MaxHalley #FoodCycle #NationalSandwichWeek #SupportLocal #FightFoodWaste

foodcyclehq May 23

The second the custard jugs come out at our meals...😍

foodcyclehq May 21

🎉 Celebrating One Year of the Broxtowe Project! 🎉⁠
⁠
On May 14th, our lovely volunteers marked their first anniversary with a fantastic celebration for 32 guests! Our hosts beautifully decorated the venue and our cooks served up delicious meals, including a special banana sprinkle birthday cake topped with a FoodCycle sticker.⁠
⁠
Our guests were treated to...⁠
🥔 Leek and potato soup with crouton, pickled onion, and cauliflower leaves⁠
🍛 Cauliflower and coconut medley with buckwheat⁠
🍰 Banana sprinkle birthday cake with buttercream icing⁠
⁠
Cheers to our amazing team and the bright future of the Broxtowe Project.⁠
⁠
📸 Check out the photos from our celebration!⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq May 20

foodcyclehq May 16

🎂🥪 As we celebrate 15 years of community meals, we’ve partnered with sandwich savant, Butty Boss and Panini Prodigy Max Halley @lunchluncheon - to demonstrate that sharing a meal can be simple yet special.

To coincide with #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and #BritishSandwichWeek we’ve given Max the honorary title of “Chief Sandwich Officer” or CSO. Sharing a meal is FoodCycle’s bread and butter and our community meals are a place to combat food poverty, loneliness and food waste.

Keep your eyes peeled for lots of sandwich-ey fun across social media this week and we’d love to see you in London from 25th-26th May at Max’s Sandwich Shop, where £1 from every veggie special sold supports FoodCycle.

Let’s savor the flavors of National Sandwich Week while making a positive impact on our planet.

Lettuce tell you more 🔗 Link in bio

#NationalSandwichWeek #FightFoodWaste #FoodCycle #MaxsSandwichShop

foodcyclehq May 15

While we often highlight the mental health benefits for our guests, let's not forget the value volunteering brings. ⁠
⁠
Meet Abs, one of our brilliant hosting volunteers at FoodCycle Walthamstow, and find out how serving the community has enriched his mental well-being. ⁠
⁠
Feeling inspired? Volunteer at your local FoodCycle meal today! 🌽 ⁠
⁠
🔗 Link in bio!

foodcyclehq May 14

During this Mental Health Awareness Week, why not take a moment to reflect on how you can prioritise your own well-being?

We're keen to hear about the ways you take care of your mental health. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's open up the conversation ❤️

#FoodCycle #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

foodcyclehq May 13

"I live in a bedsit by myself, it can be quite miserable at times and I don’t really cook. It’s nice to get a cooked meal at FoodCycle once a week." ⁠
⁠
Loneliness can be all-consuming, especially when facing it meal after meal. But at FoodCycle Exeter, Simon discovered a lifeline. ⁠
⁠
"It's much better than sitting at home alone watching the telly," he shares, "I’m not really one to talk to people I don’t know, except at FoodCycle. I have sat with complete strangers and you do end up just having a natter."⁠
⁠
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we're shining a light on the power of community and connection, one plate at a time. ⁠
⁠
Join us for warm meals and warmer conversations. ⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #EndLoneliness

foodcyclehq May 10

Ready for the (phoenix) night of your life? 😃⁠
⁠
We're auctioning off 9 pairs of VIP tickets to see Peter Kay at the 02 Arena on the 2 June 2024. The prize includes seats in a VIP hospitality suite with a great view of the whole arena. All-inclusive wine, beer, and soft drinks and a buffet included. ⁠
⁠
Bid for your chance to win these exclusive tickets, and support our mission to end food poverty, loneliness, and food waste! 🌽⁠
⁠
Money raised from the highest bids goes towards running and expanding our community meals, enabling us to reach even more people across the UK who are in need of our support.⁠
⁠
Laughter never felt so good!⁠
⁠
🔗 For your chance to win click the link in our bio now!⁠
⁠
#PeterKay #GarlicBread #WinWinWin

foodcyclehq May 8

Why do YOU love volunteering with FoodCycle? 🥦😃

foodcyclehq May 7

For some people, long weekends can be lonely and with so many struggling with the rising cost of food, it's another day of struggling to put food on the table.⁠
⁠
Thanks to our hard-working volunteers, many of our guests were served hot, nutritious meals this weekend and had the chance to sit down and enjoy the company of their community. ⁠
⁠
To all the volunteers who gave up their time this weekend, we want to send you an extra thank you. Your dedication to FoodCycle's mission is the only reason we can continue to exist. ⁠
⁠
Drop a 👏 below for this incredible bunch of bananas.⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #BankHoliday #VolunteeringIsCool⁠

foodcyclehq May 3

This Friday, we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible FoodCycle Bristol, who whipped up a truly creative and nutritious meal for their community. 🍌⁠
⁠
Using food that was on its way to the bin, our volunteers treated guests to...⁠
⁠
🥒 Courgette and plantain salad with crispy bread ⁠
🍠 Lentil shepherd's pie with a green veg medley⁠
🍊 Pound cake, fruit salad, and squirty cream⁠
⁠
Well done, team Bristol!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycleFriday #FridayFood #MenuInspo

foodcyclehq May 2

Pick your fighter! 🥊👀

foodcyclehq Apr 30

What does a typical evening at a FoodCycle community meal look like?

We'll let our volunteers in Bath tell you!

Join your local FoodCycle team today 🔗 link to sign up in our bio.

#FoodCycle #Menu #FoodInspiration

foodcyclehq Apr 29

Hark! Our valiant band from Peterborough hath crafted a feast to honor both National Shakespeare Day and St. George's Day. 🎭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⁠
⁠
Behold, our esteemed guests were regaled with a triad of delectable courses, each a savory sonnet unto itself. ⁠
⁠
Starter 🍜 Mac-broth⁠
Main 🥧 Anne Hathaway's Cottage Pie⁠
Dessert 🧁 St George's Hot Cross Pud⁠
⁠
Huzzah! Let us praise our stalwart team, who, week by week, dost faithfully feed sixty souls or more.⁠
⁠
#Shakespeare #StGeorgesDay #MenuInspo⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq Apr 26

Are you up for the challenge? 😛🥑

foodcyclehq Apr 25

“I wanted an unforgettable experience, surrounded by people who, like me, are deeply passionate about cooking.”

Get ready to cheer on our amazing FoodCycle Bristol volunteer, Sami, as he steps into the MasterChef kitchen tonight. 🍽️

We can’t wait to watch Sami showcase his passion for Sardinian cuisine, pasta, and creative culinary fusions on MasterChef, with the inspiration he draws from his family cooking heroes, especially his Mom Rita, Aunt Lisa, and Grandma Speranza.

Please join us in wishing Sami the best of luck this evening and make sure to tune in at 9pm on BBC1 or BBC iplayer.

Let’s go, Sami! 🍳

foodcyclehq Apr 23

Help us take a stand against food waste...🌎
⁠
This week, your donations to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be matched, effectively doubling the impact of your generosity. ⁠😍

Every year, millions of tonnes of perfectly good food are wasted in the UK. Meanwhile, millions of individuals and families struggle with food insecurity, unsure of where their next meal will come from. ⁠

Our mission is clear: to rescue food destined for the bin and transform it into nutritious, hot meals for anyone in need across the UK. ⁠To do this we need support in opening more community meals and reaching more people who need our service.

❤️🥑 Click the link in our bio to donate and DOUBLE your impact today. ⁠

#FoodCycle #BigGive

foodcyclehq Apr 22

This #EarthDay we're celebrating us! 🤠🌎

In 2023, we rescued 239 tonnes of food from going in the bin.

That's equivalent to the weight of:

🐘 84 elephants
🚗 116 cars
🥑 3,107,000 avocados
🐳 A blue whale (and then some)
🔔 17 Big Ben bells
🗽 The Statue of Liberty
🚌 24 school buses

We turn food waste into nutritious and delicious 3-course meals for communities in need across the UK. We are so proud of what we have achieved so far and our goal is to expand even further to save more food and reach more people.

For this week only, thanks to the @biggiveorg, any donation made to FoodCycle will be matched. This means that when you contribute to our mission of ending food waste, both your donation and its impact will be doubled.

Thank you so much ❤️ Link to to donate in bio.

#TheBigGive #FoodCycle #FoodWaste #EndFoodWaste #BigGiveGreenMatchFund #NoMorefoodWaste #ClimateChange

foodcyclehq Apr 20

Join us in saying no to food waste...🌎⁠
⁠
This week, your donations to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be match-funded, effectively doubling the power of your contribution. ⁠
⁠
Every year, the UK food industry discards millions of tonnes of perfectly good food. Simultaneously, millions of individuals and families face the harsh reality of food insecurity, struggling to afford their next meal. ⁠
⁠
To put it simply, we cannot bear food waste and we've made it our mission to transform food that was headed to the bin into nutritious, hot meals for anybody who needs them in the UK. ⁠
⁠
To do this and to reach the people who really need our service, we must continue to raise funds to open new community meals. If you can support us, we would be so grateful.⁠
⁠
Join us today and double your impact! ❤️🥑 Visit the link in our bio to donate!⁠
⁠
#TheBigGive #FoodCycle #FoodWaste #EndFoodWaste #BigGiveGreenMatchFund

foodcyclehq Apr 18

🌎 Do your part for the planet today 🌎⁠
⁠
This week, every donation to FoodCycle through the @biggiveorg gets matched and doubled, helping us rescue surplus food and create nourishing community meals for people across the UK.⁠
⁠
We work hard to source perfectly edible surplus food safely and responsibly. We reclaim fresh fruit and vegetables and we purchase extra ingredients such as dried foods and spices to make our meals as balanced and nutritious as possible.⁠
⁠
With so many families struggling with the cost of living crisis, tackling food waste is crucial and now more than ever we are recognising the importance and benefits of gathering together to share a meal.⁠
⁠
Donate today and double your impact ❤️🥑 Link in bio!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #BigGive #TheBigGive #BigGiveGreenMatchFund ⁠

foodcyclehq Apr 16

Throwback to our lovely ambassador @vickypattison playing Rude or Food whilst on her volunteering shift at FoodCycle Walker 🤓

Play along with Vicky and see if you can get them right.

To volunteer with us, hit the link in our bio.

#FoodCycle #Community #RudeOrFood

foodcyclehq Apr 15

Big smiles from across our projects to give you some #MondayMotivation 😀⁠
⁠
We are so happy to see our volunteers so happy, and we want you to be happy too, so we suggest you click the link in our bio and sign up to volunteer and we can all be happy!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Happy #Community⁠
⁠
⁠

foodcyclehq Apr 12

#ComfortFoodFriday is coming from our wonderful volunteers in Wolverton.

58 guests were treated to a proper Sunday dinner, thanks to @quorn_uk for the lovely roast. Followed by Granny's custard, banana pudding, and a serving of fresh fruit salad.
,
Does it get any better than this? 🙂

#FoodCycle #SundayRoast #FoodInspo

foodcyclehq Apr 10

🎶 Aylesbury's Got Talent! 🎶

We love it when our volunteers have music on in the kitchen. It creates such a lovely, fun atmosphere, especially for first-time volunteers who may be feeling a bit nervous.

Just to let you know, singing is not optional, it is a requirement.

We'd love to see your kitchen singing videos, send them on here or on your volunteer workplace chat!

#FoodCycle #AmericanPie #DonMcLeanWho

foodcyclehq Apr 8

Absolute menu of DREAMS from our Thornton Heath team this week!⁠
⁠
27 guests were treated to...⁠
⁠
🍔 Lentil burgers with antipasti and a dressed side salad⁠
🥘 Moroccan tagine with herby rice⁠
🌸 Eggless vanilla sponge with mango and sorrel coulis, topped with edible flowers⁠
⁠
10/10, superb, no notes!⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Menu #FoodInspiration #MealInspo

foodcyclehq Apr 5

What is a STARWBERRY! 😂🍓⁠
⁠
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 FoodCycle Newport are having far too much fun and we absolutely love it.⁠
⁠
Volunteer with us at your local FoodCycle today by signing up at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Volunteering #Strawberry

foodcyclehq Apr 4

This #AutismAcceptanceWeek2024 we want to remind you that everybody is welcome at our FoodCycle meals.⁠
⁠
You may remember Selma, one of our guests at FoodCycle Peckham. Selma has Aspergers Syndrome and struggles with loneliness and feeling accepted in mainstream dining spots. ⁠
⁠
FoodCycle is one of the few places where Selma feels accepted as she is and we absolutely love to welcome her each week. ⁠
⁠
If you are on the autism spectrum or perhaps feel that cafes or restaurants aren't for you, we really encourage you to join us at your local FoodCycle meal where you will be welcomed to join us for a hot, nutritious meal and a chat.⁠
⁠
🔗 To read more about Selma's story, click the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #AutismAcceptanceWeek #AutismAwareness #worldautismacceptanceweek

foodcyclehq Apr 2

Easter is so special to many of us but for many people, it can be a very lonely day.

So we want to thank all of our lovely volunteers who spent their Easter Sundays serving others and ensuring that our guests have a hot meal, good company, and as many brews as they want!

You are truly amazing and FoodCycle couldn’t exist without you. ❤️

#Easter #FoodCycle #CommunityDining #EasterSunday

foodcyclehq Apr 1

Huge shout-out to our Salford team for making such an incredible menu out of a challenging surplus food delivery.⁠
⁠
24 guests were treated to...⁠
⁠
🍫 Nutella bruschetta topped with tomato and cucumber⁠
🍝 Garlic pasta with whipped cream and fresh strawberry sauce⁠
🍰 Sponge cake with a sour cream filling and pickle topping⁠
⁠
Huge well done to the cooking team for managing to make such a creative menu and to our lovely hosts for keeping the meal running smoothly.⁠
⁠
Join our community today 🔗 link in bio⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #Menu #FoodInspiration #Creative

foodcyclehq Mar 26

Let's give some love to our unsung heroes, our menu board artists! 🎨⁠
⁠
Often overlooked, this quiet bunch work hard to make sure our guests know exactly what's on the menu all while creating vibrant, inviting menu boards.⁠
⁠
To our artists: we appreciate you! 🖼⁠
⁠
#FoodCycle #CommunityDining #Art

FoodCycle Head Office

Follow us

© FoodCycle 2023

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

Shop Terms

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Website by me&you

FoodCycle Head Office

Links

Follow us

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

© FoodCycle 2022

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

Website by me&you