.jpg)
A Sheffield grandad has told how he found hope through shared community meals that helped him overcome loneliness, as charity FoodCycle calls for more volunteers to help this summer.
Ian White, 61, first came to eat at community dining charity FoodCycle’s free local meals after separating from his wife and finding himself living alone, and feeling depressed.
At first he was nervous about eating with others, but soon became a regular guest – and after three years enjoying the tasty food and company, decided to become a volunteer.
Now Ian helps lead the volunteer teams at FoodCycle Sheffield Primrose Hill, served every Tuesday evening, and FoodCycle Sheffield Broomhall which meets on Wednesday lunchtimes.
Each week volunteers take part in a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style challenge to turn surplus food that would otherwise go to waste into nourishing three-course meals served free to anyone who wants them.
Ian leads the ‘front of house’ hosting team, and enjoys using his skills as a former pub landlord to serve up dishes and chat with guests. A grandad-of-seven, he has become affectionately known as ‘grandad’ to everyone at his local projects!
Ian is sharing his story to support FoodCycle’s ‘Summer of Peas and Love’ appeal, calling for more volunteers to help tackle hunger, loneliness and food waste.
Extra helpers are urgently needed to cook, serve, wash up, and deliver surplus food at FoodCycle projects across Yorkshire and The Humber this summer - including in Sheffield, Bradford, Huddersfield, Hull and Leeds.
The charity needs to fill more than 8,500 volunteer slots nationally throughout July and August, when there is often a drop in volunteer numbers as regular helpers take holidays, or need to look after children.
FoodCycle runs eight weekly meals across the Yorkshire and Humber region, which together served 7,013 free three course meals last year, and saved more than 90 tonnes of surplus food from going to waste.
Ian has so far given more than 136 hours of his time to help others through volunteering with FoodCycle. Explaining how he got involved, Ian said: “About three years ago, me and my wife separated, and I wasn’t feeding myself properly, and I was told about the FoodCycle meal. I was a bit nervous at first, because there were lots of people I didn't know, and I'm not a confident eater in front of strangers, but I got used to it, and now I'll eat anywhere!”
Ian kept attending the meals for three years, before deciding to become a volunteer. He said: “I wanted to help, because of what they've given to me over the years, and that's why I became a volunteer.”
Ian said the connection with others at FoodCycle community meals has had a really positive impact on his mental health. He said: “When me and my wife separated, I fell into depression. I was in a situation where I wanted to end it. But coming to the meals got me through it, because I was chatting to the other guests and chatting to the volunteers.
“It’s helped me tremendously to carry on. If I hadn’t come to the meals, I know it sounds ominous, but I don't think I'd have been here now.”
Ian adds: “Without this, I’d be sat at home, I’d either be watching the telly or I'd be asleep. I’d have no social life. It gives me something to look forward to.”
The meals have also helped Ian’s diet. He says: “I'm a diabetic, and it does help me with my diabetes. The doctors have told me to eat differently to what I used to eat before I became a diabetic. I’ve noticed when I have a meal at FoodCycle, my sugar readings come down a bit.”
Speaking of the difference FoodCycle makes in his community, Ian said: “If people didn't have the meal to come to, a lot of guests wouldn’t have other people to chat to. A lot of the guests go up to the cooking volunteers to compliment them on the food too. We have one lady who comes and says if it wasn’t for FoodCycle she wouldn’t eat.”
Encouraging more people to get involved, Ian said: “Go for it! No question of doubt. Go for it, and if you like it, you can join in, and you might even end up like I did, volunteering.”
Harry Barham, FoodCycle’s Northern Area Manager said: “Ian is a fabulous host and we’re so happy he decided to volunteer! 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.”
It comes as one in four UK adults report feeling lonely, while 7.5 million people are living in households experiencing food poverty.
A FoodCycle survey of more than 1,760 guests carried out last autumn found 67% can’t afford to buy the food they need, and 67% eat most meals alone.
The findings show how FoodCycle’s community meals model works to support people’s wellbeing, with 79% of guests feeling happier after attending; 73% feel less lonely and 75% eat more fruit and vegetables as a result.
Nationally FoodCycle volunteers served more than 177,000 community meals last year, and saved 349 tonnes of surplus food from going to waste.
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.”
Anyone over 18 can register to volunteer with FoodCycle – with roles including cooking, hosting, and delivering surplus food. No experience is needed and full training is provided.
Volunteer with FoodCycle in Yorkshire and the Humber – find your local project:
https://foodcycle.org.uk/area/yorkshire-the-humber/
Other FoodCycle community meal projects in Yorkshire & The Humber:
South Yorkshire
West Yorkshire:
East Yorkshire
