Guest blog written by Jen Molloy

Our mission at FoodCycle is clear: connect communities, reduce loneliness, nourish the hungry and improve sustainability. 

Week in and week out our volunteers in Swindon and nationwide take surplus food that was headed for the bin and turn it into delicious three-course meals for local communities. We are different from a food bank in that you don’t need a referral to eat with us. So whether you’re struggling to buy food, feeling lonely or an eco-warrior who hates food waste,  you are welcome at our FoodCycle meals.

Community is everything to us at FoodCycle, without strong local communities, we simply couldn’t exist. Our brilliant volunteers not only take great care in cooking wonderful meals, they also make sure to sit with guests and be there for a good chat. A lot of people we see at projects are very lonely and for some, our meal is their one social interaction of the week. It’s very important to us that we are more than just a place for food; we are a safe, warm space for anybody in the community.

On top of the brilliant community aspect of our meals, we also tackle the growing issue of food waste. Our meals are made from food that’s been donated to us through local businesses and supermarkets, that was otherwise headed to the bin. We love a wonky vegetable at FoodCycle and each week our volunteers take on the challenge of whipping up a meal using ingredients that have only been delivered an hour before. Think, Ready Steady Cook, Swindon Style!

We’re so proud to serve the Swindon community and we want you to get involved!

To donate food through your business please email AlexH@foodcycle.org.uk