A kind-hearted community cook is appealing for people to help transform surplus food into free meals across the West Midlands. Local grandmother Marie Mardenborough has been preparing dishes every Saturday lunchtime for almost five years as part of the national charity Foodcycle. Now, the project urgently needs extra support to keep its vital services running over the summer.
Summer drop in volunteers threatens services
School holidays and summer breaks often lead to a sharp drop in available helpers. Organisers need to fill thousands of positions nationally to keep up with high demand. Without additional volunteers, many community meals could be at risk.
Marie Mardenborough said: "I volunteer because it boosts self-esteem, it creates a strong sense of purpose, and it reduces stress too." She added: "I enjoy being part of something meaningful. I also enjoy helping fight food waste by cooking surplus that would go to landfill. We take food that would otherwise go in the bins, and then we think of a nice meal, and it comes out beautiful!"
How to get involved
Anyone aged 18 and over can register to help out with cooking, hosting, or collecting supplies. No previous kitchen experience is required, and complete training is provided for every role. The free Foodcycle community meals take place at multiple venues across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Worcester.
Members of the public can sign up to help by visiting volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/westmidlands, or support the charity by donating at foodcycle.org.uk/donate.
