Manchester charity provides food to vulnerable people in lockdown

FoodCycle, the charity that fights food poverty and loneliness, will continue to provide free takeaway meals to people in need in Manchester during the current national lockdown.

Under ‘normal’ circumstances, FoodCycle volunteers take surplus food and turn it into nutritious community meals, with the aim of reducing food waste, food poverty and tackling social isolation.

The meals are open to all, and guests range from low-income families, people affected by homelessness and those who cannot afford to buy food.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak and government guidelines on social distancing, FoodCycle quickly adapted to delivering food parcels and has now moved to providing their Cook and Collect takeaway service. 

Under the new restrictions FoodCycle guests can continue to collect nutritious food for themselves and their households.

Those unable to visit their local FoodCycle project due to self-isolating or shielding can ask a friend, neighbour or family member to collect on their behalf legally under the ‘’reasonable excuse’’ category. 

Those who fall under the category of critically vulnerable or have been told to shield can access extra provision through NHS Responders. 

”Our number one priority will always be the safety and welfare of our guests and volunteers and we will continue to work with our teams, volunteers and venues to maintain our high standards and keep everyone as safe as possible while delivering this vital service to vulnerable people across the country,”  says FoodCycle CEO Mary McGrath MBE.

Created in April 2020 in reaction to the first national lockdown, Foodcycle’s Check-in and Chat service is also open.

Helping to combat the rising issue of social isolation during the pandemic, volunteers call guests for a weekly natter. 

“It makes me very happy that Foodcycle are still looking out for people and caring for the community during this time,” said one Foodcycle guest.

The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme will hold a weekly Cook and Collect from 14th January from 7.30pm–8.30pm.