Ian White, a 61-year-old grandfather from Sheffield, has shared how volunteering with the food charity FoodCycle helped him overcome a period of severe loneliness and depression following the breakdown of his marriage. Mr White, who initially attended the charity's communal meals as a guest, found the support and connection offered by the organisation to be life-changing, leading him to become a dedicated volunteer.
FoodCycle operates by taking surplus food, which would otherwise be discarded, and transforming it into nutritious three-course meals. These meals are then served free of charge to anyone in the community, providing both sustenance and a vital space for social interaction. Mr White recounted how, after his separation, he struggled with poor eating habits and significant weight loss, feeling isolated and experiencing suicidal thoughts. A friend recommended FoodCycle, and despite initial nervousness about dining with strangers, he quickly found a welcoming environment.
For over two years, Mr White regularly attended the Tuesday evening meals at FoodCycle's Primrose Hill location in Sheffield. He explained that the conversations with other guests and volunteers had a profound positive impact on his mental health, pulling him out of a deep depression. Feeling a desire to give back for the support he received, he decided to volunteer. Drawing on his past experience as a pub landlord, he now leads the front-of-house team, serving dishes and engaging with guests.
The charity's model not only addresses social isolation but also plays a crucial role in reducing food waste. Volunteers are central to this process, collecting surplus food and preparing meals. In 2025, FoodCycle's eight weekly meal clubs across the Yorkshire region alone served over 7,000 meals, highlighting the scale of its impact.
Currently, FoodCycle is running its 'Summer of Peas and Love' appeal, urgently seeking volunteers aged over 18. They are looking for individuals to help with cooking, serving, washing up, and delivering surplus food across several Yorkshire locations, including Sheffield, Bradford, Huddersfield, Hull, and Leeds. The charity emphasises that these roles are vital for maintaining and expanding their services, which provide a lifeline for many experiencing loneliness, food insecurity, and mental health challenges.