Every good meal has a story behind it – what’s your career story?
Over the past two decades my career has been focused on building initiatives rooted in local communities, working across charities, businesses and public bodies to develop sustainable models that create lasting social impact.
My first role within food redistribution started at the Company Shop where I helped set up, Community Shop, the UK’s first social supermarket, a new concept that combined surplus food with community-based support and dignity-led services.
Then in 2015 I founded the charity, The Bread and Butter Thing, which has now grown into a network of local and mobile food clubs that provide access to nutritious and affordable food to over 10,000 members every week.
Throughout those years I have also worked with industry groups such as DEFRA and WRAP and have worked on a number of industry and Government initiatives to seek out best practice for reducing and redistributing food surpluses. And, to add to that I was also a FoodCycle trustee for 9 years!
What experiences and values brought you to FoodCycle and our mission of nourishing communities?
I have always had a piece of FoodCycle in my heart. I’m mates with Kelvin, who founded FoodCycle and whilst I didn’t help set it up, we’d talk a lot. I was busy setting up Community Shop at the time but we could both see how serving food to the community goes beyond what’s on the plate. It’s not only the friendships, but also what else it builds on. From those friendships comes community and trust and the relationships we can build with them.
I’ve always been fascinated by this space. And that’s what attracted me to this role because it was a real opportunity that I just couldn’t let pass. I’ve done food redistribution, food waste, community, but what I’ve not done is that hospitality bit of it.
FoodCycle works because it focuses on the bit that really matters, people. The food brings people through the door, but it’s the welcome, the routine, and the conversations that keep them coming back.
Having somewhere predictable, warm and non-judgemental to go can make a huge difference. It doesn’t fix everything, but it creates the space where things can start to feel a bit more manageable.
It’s been a great first few weeks and I’ve really enjoyed getting out to the community meals meeting the guests and the volunteer teams who bring it all to life each week.
We know it’s only been four weeks but have you got any plans or thoughts in place yet, do you plan to stir the pot or keep things on a gentle simmer?
I’m definitely still learning a lot at the moment. I’m trying to absorb as much as I possibly can and really understand how it overlays in this venn diagram of community, resilience and nourishment.
I’m not planning on creating a stir but I am very interested in how we can make community dining, not a necessity or a table of necessity but a table of choice. And that’s all about looking at the service and the welcome and the introduction and the quality of food and all the rest of it.
I’ve been chatting to all of the team, getting out to the community meals, meeting and chatting with guests, understanding their experiences, talking to volunteers.
We know you’ve visited a lot of community meals over the last few weeks, what are some of the things that have stood out to you?
There really is such a warmth at the meals and there are so many people and so many stories and it’s those stories that are sticking with me.
I’ve met a guy who has been to every FoodCycle community meal in London and he gave me the full breakdown of them all!
I met a lady who told me how she met two homeless people at one of the meals and has helped to get them housed.
And I’ve also met a guy who plans his day around visiting community spaces because he feels uncomfortable to go home.
As for meeting volunteers, there have been such wide varieties of people from the communities we serve to young professionals. They’ve all been so enthusiastic and caring, it’s been amazing to hear their stories as to why they come and volunteer.
What I’ve heard is that there are so many reasons why people come to community meals, hunger, loneliness, isolation but what they have all found is a sense of community and a place where they feel welcomed.
So what’s next over the coming months?
I’m planning on getting out to more of the regions, I’ve not made it to the Midlands, East, South or Wales yet so you’ll likely spot me at one of those community meals soon.
I’m also meeting with some of our corporate partners to hear more about the wonderful support they’re providing, from Data for Good days to skills-sharing and volunteer training.
I am always happy to say hi, I love a chat and very open to hearing your feedback, ideas, ways we can work together. Whether you’re a volunteer and have some ideas or a corporate partner wanting to look at how we can work together. You can reach out to me through our contact form.
So let’s finish off with some questions about you…
When you’re at a FoodCycle community meal, are you a cook or a host?
Oh, I’m a host for sure! Definitely, I’m a front of house kind of guy, I love to chat to people, make them feel welcome, get to know them.
Favourite vegetarian dish?
Well, I have been a veggie for nearly 40 years, I don’t actually know the name for it, but its tomatoes roasted in olive oil and balsamic, then you put chopped feta onto that with some Arabiata mixed spice. That’s beautiful.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m a keen runner and have signed up to do the Manchester Half Marathon in October for FoodCycle.
I also tend to go everywhere with my dog, Blue. He’s a Rottle (look it up) and he’s a big softy and my best mate.
Other than that, I like to read and am a big horror fan. I like to frequent the local cinema and watch a horror, classic or recent and especially like to go with my mate Justin as he’s a screamer!
]]>By running and fundraising for FoodCycle, you’ll help turn surplus food into three course community meals to tackle loneliness and hunger, food poverty and food waste. Register your interest.
Why run the London Marathon 2027 for FoodCycle?
The London Marathon is more than just a race; it’s an iconic event that passes some of the World’s most famous landmarks including Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
With over 750,000 spectators cheering you on throughout the 26.2 mile course, it’s a race you will never forget.
We have two charity places available for runners who want to turn their miles into community meals.
FoodCycle’s impact in 2025:
- 349 tonnes of food saved from going to waste.
- 88% of guests reported meeting people from different backgrounds at our meals.
- 73% of guests felt less lonely after attending a FoodCycle community meal.
By securing a 2027 charity place with FoodCycle, your London Marathon run and fundraising will help ensure thousands of people a week can enjoy good food and conversation.
Together we can nourish communities, step by step, plate by plate.
Ready to start? Register your interest in a FoodCycle 2027 London Marathon charity place.
What you get as a FoodCycle runner
We know that training for the London Marathon is a huge commitment, by running for FoodCycle we’ll provide you with:
- Support from our fundraising team – we’ll be there every step of the way, from when you confirm your place, to when you cross the finish line.
- A FoodCycle running vest that you can wear with pride.
Key dates for your 2027 Marathon journey
April 2026: Register your interest for a FoodCycle charity place
Friday April 24th : Public ballot for 2027 opens. Enter the ballot here
Friday 1st May: Public ballot closes
Friday 31st July: FoodCycle charity place applications close
Friday 7th August: Successful charity place applicants contacted
Sunday 25th April 2027: Race Day!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I run the London Marathon for FoodCycle in 2027?
You can apply for a FoodCycle charity place by completing our 2027 Interest Form. Runners will be selected based on their passion for supporting FoodCycle, commitment to fundraising and raising awareness of our community meals.
Runners who are successful in the public ballot are still welcome to support FoodCycle and you will receive the same support as our charity place runners.
How much does a charity place cost?
If you are successful in getting a FoodCycle charity place, you’ll need to pay a £100 registration fee to secure your spot and commit to raising a minimum of £2,500.
What is the fundraising target for FoodCycle charity place marathon runners?
For those who are successful in getting a FoodCycle charity place, we ask that you commit to raising a minimum of £2,500 to help us to continue to nourish communities.
Can I run for FoodCycle if I get my own place in the ballot?
Yes! If you are lucky enough to secure a ballot place, you can still join FoodCycle’s London Marathon team. There is no minimum fundraising target for ballot runners, and you’ll receive the same support as our charity place runners.
]]>Joining as Head of Programmes and then taking on the role of CEO, Sophie has been instrumental in getting FoodCycle to where it is today. Our community meals now run in 90 locations across England and Wales, serving an average of 3,500 people each week.
Sophie’s key successes include introducing a volunteer management and booking system, pivoting to a delivery service during the COVID pandemic, launching services into a brand-new country (Wales) and creating the concept of the school community meals programme. During her time at FoodCycle, Sophie also won ‘Supporting Leader of the Year’ at the Third Sector Awards.
We asked Sophie to share some of her highlights:
What’s been the best thing about working at FoodCycle?
Without questions it’s the people. From our incredible volunteers and dedicated staff to the guests who join us each week, FoodCycle is built on human connection. I’ve been continually inspired by the compassion, creativity, and commitment I see across the organisation. There’s something very powerful about sitting down and sharing a meal with others it breaks down barriers and reminds us of what really matters. Being part of a community that leads with kindness and purpose has been a genuine privilege. And something I will always take with me.
What’s been your greatest achievement at FoodCycle?
I’m most proud of how we’ve grown our reach and impact while staying true to our mission and local community feel. Together, we’ve expanded into new communities, strengthened partnerships, and increased the number of meals and moments of connection we provide every week. But beyond the numbers, it’s about building a sustainable model that not only tackles food surplus and loneliness but does so in a way that empowers people. Being able to facilitate volunteers and staff to create trusted, welcoming spaces in so many communities, championing creativity and good food is something that I will always be super proud of.
What will you miss most about FoodCycle?
I’ll miss the sense of togetherness that runs through everything we do. Whether it’s visiting a community meal, meeting volunteers, or hearing stories from guests, there’s a warmth and authenticity that’s hard to put into words. What FoodCycle does is tangible and simple. FoodCycle has a unique ability to bring people together from all walks of life, and that spirit is incredibly special. I’ll also deeply miss the team. Working alongside such passionate, smart and values-driven people has been endlessly energising and motivating to me, and I look forward to watching all the amazing things that I know they will continue to deliver.
Mary McGrath, FoodCycle’s Chair of Trustees said: “Sophie has played a huge role in FoodCycle’s success and even through some of the more challenging times, she always has a smile on her face. I know she will be missed by both the staff and volunteer teams and I want to thank her for her dedication to the charity over the past ten years, we all wish her the very best in her next venture.”
The Board of Trustees have appointed Mark Game as FoodCycle’s new CEO and he will join the charity in mid-April for a handover period. Mark has worked in community impact and food redistribution for more than 25 years, founded the charity, The Bread and Butter Thing and is a former Trustee of FoodCycle.
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Over the years, FoodCycle has grown from one community meal in London into a national charity with over 3,000 volunteers and guests sharing meals every week. As we’ve grown, our brand hasn’t always reflected the scale, warmth and impact of our community meals.
We started the process by speaking with volunteers, guests, trustees, supporters and other charities to understand what they loved about our brand and what could do with some improvement. Whilst there were lots of great elements, such as the bright colours, the joyful language and that sense of positivity, some of our messaging lacked consistency, people often thought we were a food bank, the logo felt a bit dated and some of our materials were not as accessible as they should be.
Just like adjusting the ingredients of a recipe, this update isn’t about changing who we are – it’s about giving everyone involved with FoodCycle, the tools and guidelines to describe what we do more clearly and confidently. With plenty of feedback we began developing our messaging and tone of voice to ensure that the words we use, nourish our communities, just like our meals do.
FoodCycle brings people together to nourish communities with good food and conversation, through the power of community dining.
Once this work was completed, we were incredibly lucky to receive the offer of pro bono support from the agency Turner Duckworth, who worked on updating our logo, colours and fonts to bring them more in line with our new brand language. They even created a series of cheerful characters to help convey the positivity and warmth you get from FoodCycle community meals.
Our refreshed look and language will help us:
- Reach more guests and volunteers
- Stand out in a busy charity landscape, making it easier for people to recognise and remember FoodCycle.
- Tell our story consistently, whether it’s on social media, in press, or at our community meals.
- Appeal to funders and supporters.
We’ve already started to make some updates as you will see from the website and our social media channels and over the coming months we’ll continue to update all of our digital communications. In the spirit of sustainability printed materials such as leaflets, aprons or posters will only be updated when replacements are needed.
We hope you like it as much as we do and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in this project.
If you have any questions about the update please feel free to contact the marketing and press team using our contact form.
Let’s nourish communities together.
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Tune in to our special broadcast on BBC Radio 4:
- Sunday 11th January at 7.54 am and 9.25pm
- Thursday 15th January at 3.27pm
See the appeal on the BBC Radio 4 website.
Voicing our appeal is the incredible chef and restaurateur, Angela Hartnett. Having worked in restaurants for many years and with a passion for good, honest food, Angela is the perfect person to share the benefits of community dining.
The BBC Radio 4 Appeal is a weekly programme that introduces listeners to charities making a difference. Community dining is all about sharing food and company in a welcoming space and in the appeal, Angela highlights how FoodCycle’s community meals are about more than what’s on the plate – they are a chance to chat, connect and feel part of something.
By supporting the appeal and making a donation, you’ll be helping to reduce food poverty and waste, tackle loneliness, support mental health and encourage healthy eating and sustainable living.
If you believe in the power of good food and human connection, then please support the appeal.
Together, we can nourish communities.
]]>Whilst the festive season is known for sharing good food and company, it’s also a time of year where we might have more food waste than usual.
We’ve gathered some of the best recipes and tips from FoodCycle staff and volunteers to help stop your Christmas leftovers heading for the bin.
Roast potatoes
Leftover potatoes make great potato cakes. Just mash up the cooked potatoes with chopped onion, any leftover veggies and herbs. You’ll need something to help bind it together and can use flour, egg or both. Shape into patties, then bake or fry.
Cheese board
Leftover chunks of cheese or rinds of cheese can be chucked into soup to add extra flavour. Or you could grate all the chunks of leftover cheese together and make a cheesey pasta bake or macaroni cheese.
Leftover wine
Leftover wine from Christmas and New Year can be put into ice cube trays and frozen for future risottos, stews or red wine gravy.
Mince pies
Any stale mince pies will make an amazing mince pie ice cream. Mix with custard, cream or both. Freeze, stirring every 2-3 hours or use an ice cream maker if you have one.
Christmas dinner pie
Chop up all your leftovers, potatoes, veg, stuffing and mix it all together and mix with gravy, put it in a tray and top with mash potato or pastry.
Sprout/or vegetable soup
This versatile Broccoli and brussel sprout soup recipe can help use up those leftover sprouts or any other veg that you might have extras of.
Sprout pakoras
Create some crispy treats from your sprouts with the Brussel Sprout Pakora recipe.
Vegetable peelings
Make your own stock by simmering peelings in water for 40 minutes, then strain, freeze and use when required. You can add flavourings such as bay leaves or thyme. Or you could bake them and turn them in to crispy treats.
The ultimate festive toastie
Layer your Christmas leftovers – veg, stuffing, cranberry sauce and cheese, between slices of bread, fry or put it a toastie maker until golden and gooey.
Christmas curry
Saute onion and garlic, toss in your leftover veggies and potatoes, add a curry sauce, or spices and coconut milk, serve with rice or flatbreads.
]]>To make it as easy as possible for you to find a free FoodCycle meal, we have listed all the locations that ARE OPEN during the festive period below. Click on the location name to find out more details.
FoodCycle meals are open to everyone, so if you fancy a chat, warm space, and free hot meal, please come along. There’s no need to book, just turn up and our volunteers will make you feel welcome.
Monday 22nd December
Benwell
Slough
Tuesday 23rd December
Exeter
Wednesday 24th December
Friday 26th December
Norwich
Sunday 28th December
Barking
Monday 29th December
Tuesday 30th December
Wednesday 31st December
Marylebone
Friday 2nd January
Wandsworth Road (London)
Saturday 3rd January
Cambridge
Sunday 4th January
From Monday 5th January all Projects will resume their normal weekly schedule.
If your local Project isn’t listed then please check the location page.
We know that many people need access to food banks, warm spaces and free meal services, particularly over the winter. Our community meals don’t just run over Christmas, we run week in, week out throughout the year and you are welcome to join us each week, no matter your circumstance.
]]>Thanks to our generous Champion, every pound you donate during the campaign will be matched. That means twice the support for people facing food poverty, loneliness and rising costs this winter.
Why your support matters
Across the UK, many people struggle to access affordable, nutritious food or meaningful social connection – and winter makes things even harder.
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10.7 million tonnes of food are wasted every year in the UK
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1 in 5 people live in poverty
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Loneliness harms both physical and mental health
FoodCycle’s community meals offer a simple, joyful solution. We turn surplus food into delicious meals and bring people together around shared tables, helping to reduce food waste, tackle hunger and build stronger, more connected communities.
“I get a healthy meal at the same time each week which is the only regular meal I have. It also helps lift depression.”
“Someone put me in touch with you because they knew we were struggling. You lifted our spirits yesterday… thank you for all your hard work. You’re making such a difference.”
These words from FoodCycle guests remind us why your support is so vital.
How your donation helps this Christmas
Our meals run all year round, but winter is a particularly tough time for many of the people we welcome. By donating through the Christmas Challenge, you’ll help us:
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Serve wholesome, hot meals to communities across the country
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Offer spaces where people can connect, chat and feel valued
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Reduce food waste by transforming surplus ingredients
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Ease the pressure for people living with food poverty and loneliness
Together, we’re nourishing communities – plate by plate, chat by chat.
When to donate: Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025
The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs for just one week:
Opens: Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 12pm
Closes: Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 12pm
Every donation made during this time will be doubled, helping us reach our target of £20,000. Hitting this goal means more meals, more conversations and more communities supported through the winter months.
Make twice the difference
Ready to help? Visit our campaign page and donate during the challenge window to ensure your gift has double the impact.
Let’s nourish communities together this Christmas.
]]>This annual award celebrates the exceptional dedication, kindness, and commitment of FoodCycle volunteers who go above and beyond to support their local communities.
Each winner receives:
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A certificate
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£300
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A commemorative apron
All in recognition of their incredible contribution.
A huge thank you to everyone who nominated and took part in this year’s awards.
Meet the 2025 Regional Volunteer of the Year Award Winners
East London – Ronnie W, FoodCycle Bow Road
“Ronnie is a local legend, he knows how to make people feel part of the project. He’s thoughtful, kind and works hard to make people feel included.”
East Midlands – Sue G, FoodCycle Sutton-in-Ashfield
“Sue has FoodCycle written through her like a stick of rock, she is one of the kindest helpful people I know she always goes above and beyond what is required.”
East of England – Lindi H, FoodCycle Cambridge
“Lindi goes above and beyond to ensure the the food collection runs smoothly, collaborates with other charities to barter/exchange for things more valuable to FoodCycle. She’s someone we can always depend on.”
North & West London – Frank L, FoodCycle Kilburn
“Frank essentially functions as the ‘manager’ of the project leaders at the largest FoodCycle (Kilburn) and makes sure it runs as smoothly as it does. It makes us a better FoodCycle outlet and such an amazing experience for our guests.”
North East – Alex W, FoodCycle Byker and Walker
“Alex never misses a session and will always jump in last minute to help avoid cancellations and is known for her standout signature dishes – homemade pizzas, home-cooked onion bhajis and store cupboard creative cakes.”
North West – Jan B, FoodCycle Liverpool Dingle
“Jan goes above & beyond always: remembering guests birthdays, buying decorations for holidays, engaging w/ guests 1 to 1 even when cooking, taking hours to sort out our cupboard, using her time on the weekend to deep clean the kitchen. The list is endless!”
South East – Lesley C, FoodCycle Havant
“Lesley creates such a positive light hearted atmosphere, always a fun place to be. One of the reasons we have many regular volunteers is because of her approach and personality! She is a key team player, encouraging/developing others. She always finds solutions to challenges and supports volunteer welfare.”
South London – Stella S, FoodCycle Peckham
“Stella is the first Project Leader I worked with as a new volunteer and her kindness, warmth and welcoming personality had me hooked.”
South West – Heong W, FoodCycle Bristol
“Heong works tirelessly on his bike as a food collector, always delivering with a huge smile on his face, rain or shine! He is an unsung hero because he doesn’t get to share the food with the rest of us, doesn’t get to see guest faces when they eat the food, but he still loves what he does.”
Wales – Simon M, FoodCycle Cardiff Riverside
“Simon is kind, conscientious and hardworking. I really enjoy being on a shift with him as I know desserts will be taken care of that week and he never fails to deliver. He is a calming and reliable presence in the kitchen and the guests love his food! Including his parsnip crumble dessert.”
West Midlands – Lynne G, FoodCycle Longbridge
“Lynne always brings a warm and positive energy to sessions, always smiling and laughing, meaning she has built strong relationships with both volunteers and guests.”
Yorkshire & The Humber – Tilla B, FoodCycle Leeds Seacroft
“Tilla is a great support for the cooking volunteers, fixes abandoned gadgets, sharpens our knives and she is also really supportive of less confident volunteers and makes everyone feel welcome.”
Celebrating Community Impact
Congratulations to all our winners! Your passion, generosity, and commitment to FoodCycle make an incredible difference and help us bring community meals to thousands of people across the country.
Thank you to the Marsh Charitable Trust for partnering and supporting us with these awards, helping us to recognise and reward our incredible volunteers.
Inspired you to volunteer? Sign up now!
]]>Meet Meiling and Linda, our superstar runners who’ll be lacing up their trainers, clocking up the miles and raising vital funds to support communities across the country. After a competitive application process, they were both selected to fly the FoodCycle flag at the 2026 London Marathon.
Meiling is no stranger to long-distance running, with seven marathons under her belt already! Originally from Hong Kong, she moved to the UK last year and started volunteering at her local FoodCycle meal in Milton Keynes as a way to connect with her new community.
“The positive energy that FoodCycle brings is much like running a marathon. Having completed seven full marathons myself, I deeply resonate with FoodCycle’s spirit of helping others. It closely aligns with the values of marathon running — to keep moving forward and never give up.”
Linda was first introduced to FoodCycle through our former charity partnership with her employer, Octopus. While this will be her first marathon, she’s no stranger to the running scene, having completed several 10Ks already!
Linda told us:
“I’m really looking forward to running the London Marathon and raising money for FoodCycle. As this is my first marathon, I’m keen to do my best! I’ve done several 10Ks and enjoy running!”
We’ll be sharing updates from Meiling and Linda’s fundraising journey in the lead-up to the big day, so make sure you’re following us on Instagram, and Facebook to see how they’re getting on, and give them a virtual cheer (or two!).
Feeling Inspired? Take on a Challenge for FoodCycle…
Whether it’s a marathon, 10K in your local park or a cycling challenge, there are so many ways to fundraise for FoodCycle.
Check out our Challenge Events page to find the perfect event for you!
]]>“The ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy is a welcome start – but like any good recipe, it needs testing, tasting, and tweaking.” FoodCycle CEO Sophie Tebbetts
A National Recipe for Change
As the government releases the ‘Good Food Cycle’, its vision and framework for a future UK food system, I find myself thinking about the ingredients we’re putting into our national approach to food – and whether we’re cooking up something that truly nourishes everyone.
At FoodCycle, we know that food isn’t just fuel. It’s connection. It’s dignity. It’s community.
So when a framework for a new UK food strategy arrives on the table, we pay close attention. Because if we want to build a food system that works for both people and planet, we need to work together to get the recipe right.
Encouraging Ingredients – But How Will it be Served?
The government’s strategy does include welcome signs – and not just because it has an excellent name! We absolutely agree there should be:
“Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options.”
But as with any recipe, the real results come from what happens next. Policies and investment in infrastructure will be crucial to turning this ambitious vision into something tangible.
Empty Plates – Why This Strategy is Needed Now
This latest publication, presented by Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner (who has been supportive of FoodCycle’s community meals), comes at a critical time.
Across the UK:
- Food insecurity has soared
- More people are skipping meals or choosing between heating and eating
- Food waste continues to pile up, as even more and more people go hungry
We see this almost every week at our community meals up and down the country. In our recent guest survey:
- 70% said they skip meals
- 75% said they can’t afford to by the food they need
We also know from our latest research with the British Nutrition Foundation that just 1% of the population eats a balanced, healthy diet.
That’s why we welcome the ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy’s 10-point priorities, particularly those that align with what we’ve been doing for over a decade:
- Promoting healthier diets and nutrition
- Creating more sustainable, resilient food systems
- Reducing food waste and improving supply chains
These principles echo the work we do: turning surplus food into nutritious, shared meals that bring people together, build connection and fight loneliness.
‘’FoodCycle has improved mental health. Less hunger, Less stress, less dread. Warm community routine meals helps structure the weeks positively. Food that would have been wasted but eaten instead is also good for morale.’’ – FoodCycle Guest
Daniel Zeichner visits FoodCycle Cambridge
A Shared Meal – But Who Must Have a Seat at the Table?
But here’s the truth: you can’t build a healthy food system without putting people at the centre.
The government’s publication recognises this in their approach- working with alliances such as Eating Better and Sustain, of which FoodCycle are active members, as well as engaging with citizens assemblies.
We encourage our elected representatives to seize this opportunity to continue the conversation with all participants in the food system.
FoodCycle, as well as the many other amazing charities in this space have a wealth of insight to share – gathered by listening to our communities and the people we support through:
- Surveys
- Focus Groups
- Gathering and sharing stories and experiences from guests and volunteers
From this we understand the positive impact that community dining has on both people and planet:
- 83% of guests feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
- 78% feel less lonely
- 76% eat more fruit and vegetables
- 73% say that eating at FoodCycle make them feel like they are making a positive impact of the environment
What Needs to Come Next?
Whilst we wait for the policies and proposals that will help realise the government’s stated priorities. We hope that future publications will go further — and address wider issues not yet tackled in this first version.
We want to see plans that explore:
- How the government will reduce long-term reliance on emergency food support
- The need for sustained funding for community food infrastructure
- The role of social connection in shaping healthier communities and eating habits
The ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy is a welcome start – but like any good recipe, it needs testing, tasting, and tweaking.
Because the truth is: you can’t fix the food poverty crisis without fixing poverty.
And you can’t build a healthy food culture without giving everyone a seat at the table.
Community Meals – We’ll Keep Doing What We Do Best
At FoodCycle, we’ll keep doing what we do best: serving up warmth, dignity, and nutrition to anyone in our communities that we serve.
We hope this new UK food strategy marks the start of something bigger – a genuine commitment to food justice in every part of the country.
So, we can have ‘a society where no one is hungry or lonely’.
— Sophie Tebbetts, CEO, FoodCycle
Let’s Build a Better Food Future – Together
Want to learn more about how you can work with FoodCycle to tackle food waste, loneliness and hunger?
You can find more information across the FoodCycle website or Contact Us.
From hosting a bring-and-share lunch in her workplace, to a quiz night and an afternoon tea, Ashliegh got creative with ideas and brought her community together to support a cause close to her heart.
She is one of many incredible volunteers across the country who are stepping up to fundraise for FoodCycle. These efforts are vital to supporting our mission to tackle food insecurity, loneliness and food waste through nourishing community meals.
Whether you’re just getting started fundraising or looking to boost your efforts, read on for some tips to help you plan a successful fundraiser.
“It feels incredible. It’s the biggest sense of achievement I’ve had in a long time.”
Ashliegh was motivated to fundraise after coming along to a FoodCycle volunteer celebration day, as part of the team at FoodCycle Salford Angel. She said: “I absolutely loved the workshops. I felt really energised, really motivated, and inspired.”
TIP 1 – Set up a Just Giving page
Ashliegh’s first step was to set up a Just Giving fundraising page. She included a group photo of herself with fellow volunteers in their FoodCycle aprons, and a description about why she is so passionate about FoodCycle community meals:
“Foodcycle is an amazing charity that I am so proud to be a part of. We deliver a three course meal, for free, to our local community not just in Manchester but throughout the nation. We use surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, to create a nutritious and comforting feast for anyone and everyone who comes along. We love nothing more than a good chat and a cup of tea whether you’re feeling lonely and just want someone to talk to, or you don’t have a home at all and need a safe space, we are always there for everyone.”
You can set up your JustGiving page here.
TIP 2: Spread the word
Ashliegh says: “I sent the link to the JustGiving page out to, literally every single person I knew. By the end of the week, I’d already raised £250 which is just incredible, without even doing any activities. I think because I’m so passionate about FoodCycle, it’s hard for anyone who gets in a conversation with me about it to not feel the same way!”
“My tactic was to tell everybody I know about FoodCycle. I’ve gone on nights out and spoken to people, and they’ve donated. People have donated as gifts for my birthday, for Christmas, all sorts.”
TIP 3: Use social media
“We made a fundraising video and I posted that in lots of different local Facebook groups – one group I’m in has a thread all about volunteering, and I posted it in there,” says Ashliegh. “So lots of people saw it on social media – some people got in touch asking about volunteering too, so I told them how to sign up.”
TIP 3: Host an event
Ashliegh organised three events over the year:
A Christmas quiz – “We put it on as an extra event at the FoodCycle venue,” says Ashliegh. “We invited all the staff from the centre, the volunteers came, my family came, and it was open to the public too. We had lots of party food donated like biscuits and cakes. About 25 people come along and it raised about £100.”
Bring and Share lunch at work – “Everyone bought something to eat and we all shared it, and enjoyed eating and chatting – it was basically a big indoor picnic. I made posters to put up around my workplace to let people know about it, and put the QR code of the JustGiving page on it so people could easily donate.”
Afternoon Tea – “That was awesome,” says Ashliegh. “FoodCycle kindly sent an email round from me asking north west volunteers if anyone might be able to help. I was inundated with responses! About 30 volunteers offered to make something or help on the day, we had loads of gorgeous food. Some people donated china, and I bought some cute tablecloths and napkins, and bunting, so it all looked really bright and lovely.
We had about 40 people who came, a lot of people were just passing through on the day, as we went out on the street to invite them in to share some food. There was no pressure to donate, but people did, and we got some new volunteers too!”
TIP 4: Make it a team effort:
“The best thing I did was reaching out to other volunteers, says Ashliegh. “It was really exciting to see how many people wanted to get involved. It was a real team effort.
“It’s been incredible how many people have helped. One of our other cooking leaders raised £250. One of the volunteers sent the appeal to her work, and they donated £200.”
TIP 5: Celebrate your achievements
Throughout her challenge Ashliegh took photos and posted them on social media. After the afternoon tea she made a Facebook Reel of photos and even put together a TikTok video, to keep the momentum going.
On reaching her £3,000 target, Ashliegh said: “It feels incredible. It’s the biggest sense of achievement I’ve had in a long time.”
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