A charity has launched a new community meal in a bid to tackle poverty, food waste, and loneliness.

FoodCycle, which aims to combat food poverty, loneliness, and food waste, has opened a new community meal in Reading, appealing for volunteers to help turn surplus food into free meals.

The meals, served every Thursday at 6pm at South Reading Community Hub, are the 100th FoodCycle community dining project to open nationally and the second in Berkshire, with the first opening in Slough this summer.

(Image: Food Cycle)

The aim of the charity is to expand and nourish communities across England and Wales.

FoodCycle volunteers in the south-east have served nearly 7,000 meals this year, with projects in Southampton, High Wycombe, Havant, Aylesbury, Portsmouth, and Slough, saving more than six tonnes of surplus food from going to waste.

Volunteers are encouraged to join the 'FoodCycle magic’, transforming ingredients that would otherwise go to waste into vegetarian dishes, such as soups, salads, pasta bakes, curries, stews, pastries, and fruit crumble.

The charity welcomes volunteers of all kinds, whether they are keen cooks, tea-makers, or those who simply enjoy a friendly chat and sharing food.

Now in its 15th year, FoodCycle offers good food and company to people from all backgrounds.

Everyone is welcome to eat for free, with regular guests including low-income families, older people, refugees, those who live alone, may be homeless, or those who simply want to share food and company in their community.

FoodCycle South East Regional Manager Natalie Capaldi emphasised the importance of the meals in the current economic climate.

She said: "This comes at a time when the high cost of living continues to affect everything from food prices and energy bills to people’s mental well-being.

"Our free weekly meals provide a safe, welcoming space where everyone is invited, no questions asked.

"Guests can enjoy delicious food, share stories over a hot drink, and connect with friendly faces in the heart of the community.

"None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, so we’re encouraging anyone with a few hours to spare to join us in helping FoodCycle Reading reach those in need."

So far in 2024, FoodCycle has served 140,000 free meals nationally and saved more than 270 tonnes of surplus food from going to landfill.

No prior qualifications are needed to volunteer with FoodCycle, and there is no minimum weekly commitment.

Volunteers can sign up via the FoodCycle website, where relevant training and guidance will be provided.

Roles include cooking, hosting, pot washing, or helping run the project, with a commitment of four-hours on any day a volunteer chooses.