Our warehouse volunteers carefully intercept all of the food that courses through Food Works, before it
gets sent to our cafes, markets and eventually all over Sheffield in the form of Just Meals.
Meet Bita, a warehouse volunteer who has been a part of our team since 2021. She writes about the community she has forged here.
Volunteering at Food Works has been such a rewarding journey for me, and it all began
during the COVID pandemic. Looking for a way to make a positive impact in such challenging times, I joined the team at the Handsworth warehouse. You’ll often find me there, receiving, sorting, and intercepting food that would otherwise go to waste. It’s not always a straightforward job, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about rescuing food with so much potential – it feels like uncovering hidden treasures! Knowing that every item we save can make a real difference makes the challenge of ensuring nothing goes to waste even more fulfilling. But that’s just one part of my role. I also help out
at the Handsworth market, where we provide surplus food to the community. Seeing how
much it means to people, especially during uncertain times, is truly heart warming. It’s a
place where everyone comes together, and during the pandemic, it gave us all a sense of
connection when we needed it the most. There’s always this amazing energy as familiar faces come by, and it feels fantastic to know that the food we’ve worked so hard to save is going to good use.
One of the best parts of volunteering? The incredible people I get to work with. We’ve become like a little family, united by our passion for reducing waste and helping others. There’s always laughter, whether it’s figuring out the mystery can or coming up with creative recipes for the endless supply of courgettes and cucumbers – it’s moments like these that make every shift a fun adventure. Every time I leave, my heart feels full, knowing I’m part of something truly special, surrounded by people who care just as much as I do. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, I can’t recommend volunteering with Food Works enough – it’s an experience that’s both fulfilling and full of joy!
If you’d like to volunteer alongside Bita, apply for a taster shift at our warehouse or any other hub. Alternatively, if you’d like to rescue the surplus food discussed above, please visit our warehouse and market.
