Volunteers

We are only able to do what we do, thanks to all the wonderful volunteers giving their time every week to help make a difference in their local community and to help tackle the UK’s food waste crisis.

From collecting food from local supermarkets and restaurants to prepping and cooking meals, setting up our long communal tables and lovingly - sorting and curating our shopping bags… every week, the volunteers turn an empty community hall into a warm and welcoming dining space. It’s a major production and every volunteer rises to the challenge graciously.

Volunteers are the animating force that have given an idea LIFE

“Whilst volunteering, which I have done since it’s beginning, I have been encouraged to play a part in creating a
joyful space that has made a really positive contribution to the local community in addressing both food poverty and social isolation. I have received relevant training and met some interesting and lovely people, both visitors and other volunteers. To see someone arrive on a Thursday, sometimes in a distressed state, and to be made welcome, be served a delicious lunch and leave with a bag full of vegetables, bakery etc., is truly rewarding for all concerned. We have a great team and any skills people bring are used and
appreciated, because even washing up can be done well or badly.”

— Madeleine

“I joined right at the offset. I was just finishing a 6-week ‘Cooking veggie food on a budget’ cookery course taught by Rima, who explained to us her plans to open a kitchen in Hastings for the local community providing a hot meal and dessert and a bag of shopping to people that needed that food support. I spent 7 months volunteering alongside some amazing people and gained so much experience working with various chefs helping them prep. I truly believe volunteering helped with my confidence. And, I believe, it was a major factor in landing myself a job working in a school kitchen. Big thanks to Rima and all the volunteers for taking me under their wing and allowing me the opportunity to be part of something that has helped so many and continues to do so. ”

— Carleen

“I volunteer for a variety of reasons; I wanted to engage with my local community having moved to St Leonards not knowing anyone, I wanted to make a difference after years of working in the City and I wanted to meet like-minded people. It has delivered in every respect; it’s a lovely organisation which offers kindness and comfort, big bags of food and delicious three course lunch; it’s brilliantly run (despite my every effort to cause chaos), the volunteers are great - I’ve made lots of friends - and it’s a highlight of my week. ”

— Oli

“I am a single mother of two and an asylum seeker. I have been waiting for six years for the Home Office to process my claim. I love volunteering as it can be lonely as I am not allowed to work… it makes me feel part of a family. I find it very therapeutic and it is so nice to be able to give back.”

— Nasreen