A charity that transforms surplus food into free three-course community meals is urgently appealing for volunteers across Greater Manchester to help tackle hunger, loneliness, and food waste this summer. FoodCycle needs more helpers to keep its weekly meals running smoothly in Salford, Prestwich, Levenshulme, Wythenshawe, and Oldham.
How FoodCycle Works
Each week, FoodCycle volunteers take part in a 'Ready Steady Cook'-style challenge, turning surplus food that would otherwise go to waste into tasty three-course meals. These meals are served free to anyone who wants them, no questions asked. The charity is encouraging residents to make 2026 a 'Summer of Peas and Love' by signing up to volunteer even once or twice a month.
Urgent Need for Volunteers
Nationally, FoodCycle needs to fill more than 8,500 volunteer slots in July and August. Keen cooks, servers, and washer-uppers are needed to alleviate a seasonal shortage as regular volunteers take holidays, students return home, and parents and grandparents spend time with children.
Ian Winstanley, FoodCycle's regional manager for the North West, said: “We have a few different roles people can get involved with at FoodCycle community meals - from cooking, to serving food and chatting with guests, delivering surplus food to our projects, or doing the washing up. We’d love for anyone who is interested to sign up via our website.”
Community Meal Locations and Times
- FoodCycle Salford Cornerstone – Tuesdays at 6.15pm, Langworthy Cornerstone, 451 Liverpool Street, Salford, M6 5QQ.
- FoodCycle Salford Angel Centre – Wednesdays at 6.30pm, The Angel Centre, 1 St Phillip's Place, Salford, M3 6FA.
- FoodCycle Prestwich – Saturdays at 4.45pm, Creative Living Centre, 1a Rectory Lane, Prestwich, M25 1BP.
- FoodCycle Manchester Levenshulme – Thursdays at 7pm, The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3AR.
- FoodCycle Manchester Wythenshawe Brooklands – Wednesdays at 5pm, Brooklands Church of the Nazarene, Wendover Road, Manchester, M23 9FN.
- FoodCycle Oldham – Tuesdays at 6pm, The Primrose Centre, 9 Magnolia Gardens, Primrose Bank, Oldham, OL8 1HX.
Impact of FoodCycle
Across the North West region last year, FoodCycle volunteers served 14,998 community meals and saved 14.5 tonnes of surplus food from going to waste. Nationally, volunteers served more than 177,000 community meals and saved 349 tonnes of surplus food. Anyone over 18 can register to volunteer, with roles including cooking, hosting, and delivering surplus food. No experience is needed, and training is provided.
The charity's work comes as one in four UK adults report feeling lonely, while 7.5 million people live in households experiencing food poverty. A FoodCycle survey of more than 1,760 guests found that 67% cannot afford the food they need, and 67% eat most meals alone. The survey also showed that 79% of guests feel happier after attending, 73% feel less lonely, and 75% eat more fruit and vegetables.
FoodCycle CEO Mark Game said: “Too many people are struggling to afford the food they need, and too many are experiencing loneliness. That’s why FoodCycle’s community meals are more important than ever. Every week our volunteers help create welcoming spaces where people can enjoy nourishing food and company, while ensuring good food doesn’t go to waste. We know these meals make a real difference to the guests who join us - but we need more help, as demand remains high all year round. This summer we need to fill more than 8,500 volunteer slots around England and Wales to keep our projects running. If you can spare a few hours we’d love you to join us and help make a difference in your local community.”
To sign up to volunteer, visit: https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/northwest
