Community dining charity FoodCycle is appealing for more Liverpudlians to help dish out dinner as it celebrates having served over 21,000 meals across Merseyside.
Liverpool volunteers have led the charge to help tackle hunger, loneliness and food waste by transforming surplus food into nourishing, healthy three-course meals for anyone in need.
The charity, which was founded in 2008, has just announced that it has reached the achievement of serving 21,000 meals on Merseyside. In doing so, volunteers have saved 27.5 tonnes of surplus food from going to waste.
FoodCycle has hubs across the city including in Tuebrook, Old Swan, Dingle, and Bootle, where people can go to enjoy a hearty meal in the company of other. But the charity offers more than just food on a plate.
Ian Winstanley, FoodCycle Regional Manager for the North West, said: “At a time when the high cost of living continues to affect many, and loneliness is a growing concern, our community meals provide a welcoming place where people can come together, enjoy nourishing food, and connect with others.”
As the demand for the charity grows, FoodCycle is appealing for more Merseyside residents to get involved. Roles are open to anyone 18+ and vary from hosting out the front, to cooking in the kitchen.
Among the many volunteers that help power Liverpool’s Dingle FoodCycle branch is Jan Backstrom, aged 63, who recently won FoodCycle’s North West Regional Volunteer of the Year award, in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust.
The nan-of-two’s work helped create thousands of meals over the past 8 years in Dingle; the award celebrates her ‘exceptional dedication, kindness, and commitment of FoodCycle volunteers who go above and beyond to support their local communities’.
After facing loneliness after her son and family moved away, Jan found purpose and connections through her volunteering.
She said: “FoodCycle is something I look forward to every week, because it gets me out, and I know I’m going to see people and have some company. It lifts my spirits, and when I go home afterwards, I feel on cloud nine, because I’ve done something good. We’ve fed people, we’ve sat down and enjoyed their company.”
Labelled by fellow volunteers and guests as ‘The spirit of FoodCycle’, Ms Backstrom reflects the heart of the project – food, friendship, and community.
The dining charity has become a name known for not just its food, but its community spirit, and acts as a lifeline for many people.
FoodCycle’s 2024 survey showed that 67% of people eat most of their meals alone. However, other statistics show the community meals are transforming people’s mental well-being: 83% of guests said they feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal, and 78% feel less lonely – helping to ease isolation for many across Liverpool.
FoodCycle CEO, Sophie Tebbets, said: “Our volunteers’ passion, generosity, and commitment make a real difference, helping us bring community meals to thousands of people each week. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”
The meals are open to all – guests include those unable to buy their own meals, people experiencing homelessness or loneliness, those who struggle to cook for themselves, or people who just want to share a meal with some company.
Information is available about volunteering opportunities and local meal sites at: FoodCycle | Leading Food Charity | Nourishing Communities in the UK
Watch the TikTok to listen to FoodCycle’s mission:
FoodCycle reaches 21,000 served over Merseyside. @foodcyclehq #FoodCy… | merseyside | TikTok
Featured image: FoodCycle volunteer helping (c) Deb James, FoodCycle
