How long have you been a volunteer at Food Works and why did you start?
I think I started May 2024?? I didn’t realise it had been so long! I had done similar volunteering before and when I moved to Sheffield I sought out similar roles. Foodworks exceeded my expectations though as the previous food waste saving role I had done was very small, mainly collecting on foot from 3 local shops and farms and staffed by 3 volunteers maximum. So this is huge compared to what I’ve done before.
What do you like most about volunteering here?
I like meeting different people and hearing about the backgrounds of other volunteers! Everyone comes from such different walks of life but all bond over their passion for saving food waste. (Also seeing the sometimes strange things we manage to save is quite fun).
Why did you decide to start getting a patron box?
I thought it would be a nice surprise every week, like a little reward while doing my internship over the summer. And it has been! I’ve tried new things and made meals using freshly picked fruit and vegetables.
What difference does getting a patron box make to your life?
I know I’m supporting a good cause. I used to be able to frequently visit foodworks but with working full-time, I got a patron box to still feel like I’m contributing to saving food in Sheffield.
What would you say to someone thinking of either volunteering with us or signing up for a patron box?
Definitely volunteer if you have the time, there’s many different roles available and everyone is so helpful and kind! If not, a patron box is a great alternative. You still get to contribute to a good cause and try new things.
Want a weekly patron box too?
If you’d like to give our weekly patron boxes a try, head over to our webshop and start a subscription. You can choose to collect from either of our cafes at Sharrow and Upperthorpe, or at our warehouse in Handsworth.
