Local flourishing project is nourishing the community using surplus food

FoodCycle a charity which uses surplus food to strengthen the local community by offering healthy, nutritious meals, is working in partnership with two local schools part of a Multi-Academy Trust to help and support those suffering from food poverty.

The community meal is attended by 30-40 guests each week, 65% of whom are aged 55+. The project creates community, giving those who attend the opportunity to interact inter-generationally with younger families.

Oasis Hub Ashburton Park, part of Oasis is a movement of volunteers, activists and professionals that work in communities across the UK. Through the integrated ‘Community Hub’ model, Oasis seek to create a new sense of neighbourhood in communities.

The project, called FoodCycle Norwood Junction is located at Oasis Academy Ryelands on Oakley Road and supported by Oasis Academy Arena has been serving free weekly meals since March 2018.

FoodCycle Norwood Junction is only made possible with the great volunteers giving their time, enthusiasm and energy.

Since the project’s inception in March 2018, they have served 1,724 guests, given away 1,636 takeaway meals, had 433 volunteers, and rescued 2,954 kilograms of food.

Dave Jones, Hub Leader at Oasis Hub Ashburton Park, said; “FoodCycle Norwood junction is an ongoing project running on Friday nights, from Oasis Academy Ryelands, supporting local people within the community.”

“The community meal is attended by 30-40 guests each week, 65% of whom are aged 55+. The project creates community, giving those who attend the opportunity to interact inter-generationally with younger families.”

The aim for FoodCycle Norwood Junction is to continue to run on an ongoing basis so long as there continues to be a need, adequate funding and amazing volunteers which help make the project possible.

FoodCycle Norwood Junction has some impressive survey stats that shows just how much they are supporting the people within the local community. Over 80% guests say they have made new friends and feel more part of their community, and 87% of guests say FoodCycle has had a positive effect on their community.

FoodCycle is producing a ‘Recipes for the Community’ book containing a collection of recipes sourced from FoodCycle volunteers and professional chef partners. The book encourages people to share nutritious meals with each other and will be available from December 3.