FoodCycle appeals for volunteers to help at new community meal

A charity that aims to tackle food poverty, loneliness and food waste, is to open its first community meal in Suffolk, and is appealing for volunteers to help.

FoodCycle needs volunteers to help provide free weekly hot meals for local guests in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, every Tuesday, at 4pm.

Volunteers get to be part of the “FoodCycle magic” – transforming surplus food that would otherwise go to waste into vegetarian dishes, such as soups and salads, pasta bakes, curries, stews, pastries and fruit crumble.

Launching on Tuesday, October 1, at Burlington Baptist Church, in London Road, Ipswich, it’s the ninth FoodCycle community dining project to open in the East of England, and the first in Suffolk, as the charity expands to help nourish communities across England and Wales.

So far this year, projects in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Clacton, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norwich and Peterborough have served more than 12,400 community meals and saved more than 37 tonnes of surplus food from going to waste.

FoodCycle is currently marking its 15th birthday. The charity runs 94 community meals nationally, offering good food and company to guests from all walks of life, including low-income families, elderly people, refugees, people who live alone, and those who may be homeless.

Whether you’re a food waste warrior, a keen cook or washer-upper, a tea-making machine, or just enjoy a friendly chat while sharing a delicious meal, volunteering with FoodCycle is a fun way people can help their community, and the environment too.

FoodCycle’s regional manager for the East of England, Holly Wright, said: “We’re pleased to be launching our first FoodCycle meal for the community in Ipswich. This comes at a time when there is high demand for free food provision from people across the country, particularly as the high cost of living continues to affect everything from fuel bills to food costs.

“Each week we provide a safe, welcoming space for anyone who wants to come along to enjoy great food and conversation with us for free. The meal is served weekly at 4pm so we’re hoping to be welcoming lots of families.

“This vital community service runs on the kindness of volunteers, so we’re asking local people willing to give up a few hours a month to get in touch. There’s no minimum weekly commitment, so perhaps if you are retired, or a parent who can take turns with others, or anyone who is not working regularly you might like to get involved.”

Katie Faux, executive assistant at Burlington Church, added: “Here at Burlington Church we are passionate about caring for our local community and meeting the needs of those who need support or a helping hand. We are so very excited to be partnering with FoodCycle to provide a free weekly community meal here. We are super grateful to have this opportunity and are committed to making a positive difference in our area for the local people and to provide spaces for connection and community.”

 Volunteering roles include cooking, hosting and pot washing, or helping run the project, for which you need to be available from 2pm to 6pm. The charity also needs drivers to help collect surplus food, for which you need a vehicle and driving license.

No prior qualifications or experience are needed to volunteer with FoodCycle and there’s no minimum weekly commitment – just sign up via the FoodCycle website and relevant training and guidance will be provided.

So far in 2024, FoodCycle has served over 100,000 free meals to people across England and Wales, and saved more than 200 tonnes of surplus food from going to landfill.

Other FoodCycle Projects in the East of England can be seen at https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/eastofengland